01 Sep
15:00

Rectorship handover ceremony

On Thursday 1 September, Professor Luc Soete will transfer his position as rector to his successor, Professor Rianne Letschert. The academic ceremony will be held in the Sint Janskerk and will include speeches by Luc Soete, Rianne Letschert, Philippe van Parijs (Université Catholique de Louvain) and Minister Bussemaker.

Rianne Letschert (39) is a professor of Victimology and International Law and helped set up the research institute Intervict at Tilburg University. She has been the director of this institute for several years now. She became a member of the KNAW's Young Academy in 2013 and became its president in 2015. She is an international authority on victims of war crimes, genocide and terrorism.

'Maastricht's interdisciplinary and international profile immediately appealed to me,' says Letschert. 'Maastricht is pushing the boundaries in all areas and its university has a bit of a rebellious character. Faculty collaboration and untraditional teaching and research methods fit perfectly with my own work methods and vision.’

The ceremony will begin at 15:00; please take your seats in the church by 14:45. The programme will end at 16:30, followed by a reception in our administration building (Minderbroedersberg 4-6).

 Download the inaugural speech  of prof. dr. Rianne Letschert.

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