On the occasion of the celebration of the 380th Dies Natalis (anniversary) of the University of Amsterdam (UvA), a special session of the Doctorate Board took place in the Aula on Friday, 6 January. Rector Magnificus Prof. Dymph van den Boom opened the Dies celebrations. Prof. Daniel Dennett, gave the Dies speech under the theme of ‘Curiosity’.

During the Dies celebrations,  Martin van den Brink, Willem Buiter, Daniel Dennett and Peter Zoller all received honorary doctorates.

The afternoon ended with the presentation of the UvA Lecturer of the Year 2011 prize. The five nominated teachers were:

• David Rijser (Latin),
• Dorothee te Riele (Spanish),
• Gabor Linthorst (Medicine),
• Jook Walraven (Physics and Astronomy),
• Gerben Moerman (Sociology).