News A selection of news from Leiden University. News Leiden highlights strong life sciences position to European Commissioner Leiden Bio Science Park 15 June 2026 European Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva (Startups, Research and Innovation) visited the Leiden Bio Science Park on 12 June to see how the Leiden lif... In pictures: Spui Campus opens its doors on Architecture Day 15 June 2026 On Architecture Day, residents of The Hague had the chance to take a look inside Spui Campus. The event offered an informal introduction to the new bu... From dystopia to forgery: Kiem grants make innovative interdisciplinary research possible 15 June 2026 At a celebratory event, 26 projects received a €10,000 Kiem grant for 2026-2027. No fewer than 108 interfaculty teams from Leiden University submitted... ‘The surgeons of tomorrow will operate with light as an extra sense’ Inaugural lecture 11 June 2026 In his inaugural lecture, Alexander Vahrmeijer, Professor of Surgery specialising in Molecular-targeted Precision Surgery, explained how light, fluore... Archaeologist calls for Central America to be studied as a whole: ‘Borders have taken on a life of their own’ Inaugural lecture 11 June 2026 In his inaugural lecture, archaeologist Alex Geurds argues that Central America should no longer be divided into separate research areas. He believes ... A cuddly toy with batteries: exploring the role of social robots in care for older people Veni project 11 June 2026 From toy cats that purr to robot dogs that bark: what do such technologies mean for older people, healthcare providers and family members? A Dutch Res... Always losing your way? Leiden psychologists investigate topographical disorientation at Lowlands Lowlands Science 10 June 2026 Always losing your way, even in places you’ve been visiting for years? You may have Developmental Topographical Disorientation (DTD). Psychologists fr... Academia in Motion: ‘Always seek connection in difficult conversations’ 09 June 2026 Because she lives the values she stands for in her work, open and trustworthy leadership are central to Jannemieke Ouwerkerk’s approach. ‘It’s importa... Three Comenius Teaching Fellowships for Leiden lecturers Innovation in teaching 09 June 2026 Four lecturers from Leiden University have been awarded Comenius Teaching Fellowships to innovate within their teaching, together with their project t... Sarah de Rijcke elected member of the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters Appointment 09 June 2026 Rector Magnificus and Professor of Science, Technology & Innovation Studies Sarah de Rijcke has been elected as a corresponding member of the Royal Da... All news items