Opening of the Academic Year: Taking Responsibility in a Connected World
September 4th 16.00 hrs
- PRESS RELEASE - The theme of the Opening of the 2017-2108 Academic Year, the year of our 90th anniversary, is 'Taking Responsibility in a Connected World'. Keynote speakers are professor of Clinical Neuropsychology at the Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Professor Margriet M. Sitskoorn, and President of the Executive Board Dr. Koen M. Becking. The ceremony will take place on Monday, September 4, in the auditorium of the university.
In her speech ‘Van Homo Sapiens naar Homo Sapiens Verus‘ (‘From Homo Sapiens to Homo Sapiens Verus’), Margriet Sitskoorn will argue that Homo sapiens is losing its right to exist. Homo sapiens is too self-centered, too focused on its own self-interest and on the short term. Present-day society needs humans that also think of others, that put cooperation first, that are flexible and focused on long-term interests. What society needs is Homo Sapiens Verus, truly wise human beings, with both feet on the ground and connected to society, taking responsibility for the past, the present and the future. Is it possible to learn this particular sense of responsibility? How can we develop our brains in this direction?
Koen Becking will address the question what the university’s responsibilty is as a knowledge institution in times of myriad opinions and fake news. He will also pay attention to the university’s anniversary: Tilburg University is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a wide range of activities illustrating the connection between science and society.
The BESI Award (Best Entrepreneurial Student Initiative) for students showing outstanding entrepreneurial initiative will be presented to young alumni who have recently won an elevator pitch.
Note to the Editors
Media are requested to let us know through press officer Tineke Bennema if they will be attending, tel. 06 19678521 or c.e.bennema@tilburguniversity.edu. The ceremony starts at 16:00 hrs. and last till about 17:30 hrs., after which there will be a reception in the foyer of the Cobbenhagen Building. #oaj17