Farewell lecture by UM president Martin Paul

After ten years, Professor Martin Paul is stepping down as president of Maastricht University. On 7 October 2021 he delivered his farewell lecture at the MECC Maastricht. He has since been presented with a number of high honours and decorations.

After his lecture on leadership, ‘Learning to lead – a Maastricht experience’, Martin Paul was surprised with no fewer than three high honours: a royal decoration (Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau), the Tans Medal and the Maastricht MUMC+ Award. Various speakers offered praise and personal anecdotes. Entertainment was provided by the small opera company The Fat Lady.

On 11 October, Paul also received a provincial decoration from the Province of Limburg. As of 1 November, he will take up office as rector of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum in Germany. UM’s current rector, Rianne Letschert, will succeed him as university president.

Farewell interview

Want to know more about Martin Paul, his time at UM and why he chose Bochum? Read his final interview here.

A special painting

According to tradition, Martin Paul was also portrayed by an artist of his own choice. Together with the UM Art and Heritage Committee he chose artist Luc Dondeyne. The special painting is entitled 'A Tribute'.

View the livestream and photos of Martin Paul’s farewell lecture below.