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Date: June 23, 2026

- Lustrum Kick-off 9:00-12:00, Eindhoven City Centre
- Research Day 12:00 – 18:30, Auditorium, ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø Campus

Venue: Auditorium Building, ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø Campus
Entry: Free, registration mandatory
Open to: Students, staff, alumni and invitees

On behalf of Rector Magnificus Silvia Lenaerts, we would like to invite you to the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø Research Day 2026. The inspiring annual event where people meet and cutting-edge research, innovation, and academic excellence take centre stage.

This year's theme is 'Curiosity Connects'. We celebrate the awarding of the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø honorary doctorate Christian Borgs, professor of Computer Science in the Berkeley AI Research Group (BAIR). He is a world-leading researcher at the interface of mathematics, statistical physics, theoretical computer science, and AI for science.

Program 

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ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø 70 Years Lustrum Kick-off

Morning | Eindhoven City Centre 

Every day, you’re driven by curiosity—gaining new knowledge and inspiring young people. On the morning of June 23, we’ll bring that spirit into the city and show why science matters. Not in a lecture hall. Not on a stage. But right in the heart of Eindhoven, visible to everyone. 

9:00 - 10.30, Academic staff, wearing their togas, will cycle through Eindhoven, visiting local schools to give short and inspiring mini-lectures about their research and what drives their curiosity. In line with our Everyone Professor principle, we encourage all academic staff—professors, associate professors, and assistant professors alike—to take part and share their curiosity.

11:00, Official kick-off ceremony at Stadhuisplein. We will be formally welcomed by Mayor Jeroen Dijsselbloem. 

11:30 - 12:00, Ceremonial academic procession (cortège) from the city centre to the ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø campus. We warmly invite the entire ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø community to walk along!

, but the morning and afternoon programs are designed to connect seamlessly.

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Kickstart your EU Academic Career

12:00–13:30 | Auditorium, ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø Campus
Aimed at PhD, EngD, postdocs and early career researchers

Take your first step into European research funding with this networking session. Whether you want to join a consortium, write your first proposal, or build your EU network—this interactive session connects you with colleagues who have done this successfully.

Meet experienced ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø researchers and support professionals during the speed dates and grow your internal professional network. Get direct advice from funding experts, grant advisors, and project professionals.

Or just meet with them briefly and exchange contact details to see if they can help you with their experience and agree to follow up after Research Day. Curious who will be the experts? !

Fast-paced, personal, and designed to get you connected.

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Academic Career Forum

13:30–14:30 | Blauwe Zaal Auditorium, ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø Campus

In this plenary session, honorary doctorate Christian Borgs joins his promotors on stage to reflect on a career that bridges academia and industry—driven by curiosity at every step.

Moderated by the Eindhoven Young Academy of Engineering, this interactive discussion invites questions from the audience and offers fresh perspectives on shaping your own path.

Get inspired by a career beyond the traditional track.

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Innovation Expo – Curiosity Connects

14:30–16:00 | Auditorium, ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø Campus

Experience research in action.

, explore live demos, and discover the latest breakthroughs. See how research connects to real-world impact—and where your career could take you.

Walk around, get curious, and make meaningful connections.

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Academic Ceremony

16:00–17:30 | Blauwe Zaal Auditorium, ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø Campus
Doors close at 15:50

Celebrate excellence in research and academia during this festive ceremony featuring:

Honorary Doctorate â€“ Christian Borgs

• Young Researcher Award; Minha Lee, Maarten Houben, Marta Gil Pérez, Shahryar Sarabi, Rianne Conijn, Albert Schrotenboer, Pavlo Bazilinskyy
• Groundbreaking Research Award; Yali Tang, XiaoCheng Mi, Federico Corradi, Marco Fattori
• Leadership in Excellence Award; Carlijn Bouten, Erik Bakkers, Kitty Nijmeijer, Emiel Hensen, Tanja Lange, Sofía Calero, Andrea Fiore

• Best PhD Thesis Award; Laura van Hazendonk, Chris Verhoek, Fernando Lit, Renee Noortman, Mike Pols, Alberto Comoretto, Marina Borzova
• Best EngD Thesis Award; Georgia Skroumpelou, Sofia Iosfididou, Quinten van den Elsen, Pradheepan Raghavan, Ishmam Hossain, Elze Swinkels, Jasmijn Haverhals, Ted Manders

Postdoc Association – Best Paper Award Pitch

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Reception

17:30–18:30 | Auditorium, ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø Campus

Wrap up the day with a festive reception. Celebrate the honorary doctorate and award winners, connect with colleagues, and continue your conversations in a relaxed setting.

Join us!

ºÚÁϸ£ÀûÍø Research Day 2026 is the perfect opportunity to connect, discover, and celebrate excellence in science, technology, and innovation.