After almost two centuries another inaugural lecture in Franeker

After more than 180 years, an inaugural lecture can be heard in Franeker again. Marijn Molema will accept on Friday, 28 January 2022 his special chair appointment at the University of Groningen. The chair by special appointment has been established by the Frisian Social Planning Agency (FSP).

"Region, working together on broad prosperity"

The title of the special teaching assignment is 'Regional Vitality & Dynamics'. Molema believes that regions can contribute to the challenges of our time, such as climate change, social inequality, and the Covid pandemic. Regions have many qualities, not only economic but also social and cultural. Molema wants to use science to help governments, political parties, companies, and other institutions. Joining forces is their opportunity: "Do not put too much faith in grand development plans, but work together for the broad prosperity of your region", says Molema.

Making connections

With this chair by special appointment, the FSP wants to strengthen the link between academic and applied science. This will enable knowledge to find its way even better into the province of Fryslân and the surrounding regions. The study programme focuses on the present, past, and future of regional development.

Inaugural lecture via livestream

The ceremony on 28 January will take place in the Martinikerk in Franeker. It was in this old university town that theologian Johannes Scholten last delivered his inaugural lecture in 1840. Interested parties can follow the inauguration via a livestream: www.rug.nl/digitale-oratie. The text of the inaugural address can be found at www.fsp.nl.