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Last Friday, Minister Elanor Boekholt-O'Sullivan received the Aletta Jacobs Prize from Rector Magnificus Jacquelien Scherpen. She received the award for her many years of commitment to equality within the Ministry of Defense. State Secretary Judith Tielen contributed to the ceremony with a call for emancipation, and professors Janka Stoker and Marieke Liem gave speeches entitled ‘Role model against my will’ and ‘More than bruises’.

Researchers at the University of Groningen have discovered a link between intestestinal health and the immune system of the Seychelles warbler. They show how the immune system of animals and the collection of bacterial species in their intestines evolve together – probably also in humans.

New Fellows, successful projects, interdisciplinary education, and major events - highlights from the RAS community in 2025.

Prof. Janny de Jong, emeritus Professor at the University of Groningen, received the Japanese distinction Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette. The decoration was presented at the Embassy of Japan in The Hague.

As part of the measurement campaign Kleding Onder de Loep (Clothing Under the Microscope), Barbro Melgert assessed how much microplastic the inhabitants of Groningen disperse from their own clothes. By making people aware of their own role in the dispersion of microplastics, she is hoping to promote a healthier living environment.

The Board of the University of Groningen and the Executive Board of the University Medical Center Groningen have appointed Anne Been as quartermaster for exploring the establishment of a joint valorization organization.

Project leader Douwe van der Tuin is using the Scholierenacademie to show pupils in primary and secondary schools in the Northern Netherlands that there is more to science than conducting experiments. ‘It would be a pity if pupils were put off studying because they don’t identify with this stereotype. Our aim is to enable all students to experience science and the associated skills, in the humanities, exact sciences, and social sciences.’

On Friday 6 March 2026, Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning Elanor Boekholt-O’Sullivan has been awarded the University of Groningen (UG) Aletta Jacobs Prize by Rector Magnificus Jacquelien Scherpen. In her previous position as lieutenant general in the Dutch Armed Forces, she succeeded in drawing attention to the still misogynistic aspects of the Ministry of Defence in a humorous way, thereby helping to make the culture more equal from within.

Extra opening hours for the University Library (UB) during the examination period: 14 March to 8 April 2026. During this period, the UB will only be accessible to students and staff of the University of Groningen. Hanze students will not have access during these periods.

In the new episode of University of the Netherlands, historian David van der Linden from the University of Groningen answers questions about civil wars, such as: How do societies find a way to move on after a period of violence? And what are the different ways in which peace can be achieved?