UM Star Lectures 2025: Recap
On 13 March 2025, Maastricht University once again brought the university to its alumni across Europe. Over 700 alumni gathered in 12 cities for an evening of insightful lectures, engaging discussions, and valuable networking. This ninth edition of the UM Star Lectures series provided a platform for lifelong learning, strengthening the connection between alumni and their alma mater.
12 Cities, 12 Speakers, 12 Lectures
From Amsterdam to Zürich, esteemed UM professors shared their expertise on a diverse range of topics, from health and technology to leadership and environmental policy. The variety of subjects ensured that every participant found something to ignite their curiosity.
- Health & Innovation: In Eindhoven, Prof. Dr. Ir. Joost Lumens explored how virtual hearts are revolutionizing cardiovascular medicine, while in Amsterdam, Prof. Dr. Stef Kremers reflected on 50 years of health promotion.
- Technology & Digital Realities: Düsseldorf’s lecture by Prof. Dr. Dominik Mahr examined the impact of Extended Reality (XR) on various industries, while Cologne’s Prof. Dr. Frank Thuijsman applied Game Theory to real-world scenarios.
- Societal & Environmental Challenges: In Brussels, Prof. Dr. Marjan Peeters analyzed the European Green Deal, questioning whether it is truly achievable, while in Berlin, Prof. Dr. Christine Neuhold discussed the EU’s handling of multiple crises.
- Leadership & Change: In Frankfurt, Prof. Dr. Edward Huizenga provided alumni with a science-backed toolkit for thriving in today’s dynamic work environment, and in London, Prof. Dr. Jaap Bos explored the balance between efficiency and inefficiency in modern work practices.
- Education & Science: Maastricht welcomed Prof. Dr. Trudie Schils, who highlighted the importance of data in understanding students' learning outcomes.
- Security & Human Rights: In The Hague, Prof. Dr. Henry Otgaar delved into the science behind the forgetting and remembering of trauma, while in Munich, Prof. Dr. Roberta Haar examined Europe’s perspective on the future world order.
- Legal & Ethical Frontiers: In Zürich, Prof. Dr. Paolo Balboni discussed the intersection of AI and fundamental rights in a data-driven society.
€ 8,225 for the Equity and Inclusion Programme
For the second year in a row, the UM Star Lectures proudly supported the Equity and Inclusion Programme of the University Fund Limburg. With an entrance fee of € 10 and the option to contribute more, alumni showed incredible generosity, raising a total of € 8,225. This amount is enough to fully fund a bachelor’s degree for one student, covering the € 7,500 tuition fee and contributing to additional support for other initiatives. Every euro donated will go directly toward scholarships for underprivileged students and programmes that promote equality at UM.
The Equity and Inclusion Programme focuses on providing financial support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that they have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and access higher education without financial barriers. The programme also funds projects aimed at creating a more inclusive and equitable environment at the university.
In the picture: UM Star Lectures 2025
Alumni gathered in 12 different cities to learn and network, each with a beautiful venue and engaging professor and theme. Curious about how the Star Lectures looked in other cities? Or want to reminisce and see if you appear in any photos? Check out all of the pictures of the event in our UMSL 2025 Photo Album and watch the recap video shot in Maastricht.
Amsterdam
Berlin
Brussels
Cologne
Düsseldorf
Eindhoven
Frankfurt
London
Maastricht
Munich
The Hague
Zürich
See you all next time!
The UM Star Lectures remain a highlight of our alumni calendar, and this year’s success reaffirms the importance of staying connected through shared knowledge and experiences. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our professors, alumni, and organisers who made this event possible. We look forward to seeing you again at the next edition of the UM Star Lectures in 2026!