Dies Natalis 2025

On Monday, 10 November 2025, Erasmus University Rotterdam will celebrate its 112th anniversary, the Dies Natalis, with an academic ceremony titled 'Curiosity connects, knowledge changes’. It marks the founding of its predecessor, the Nederlandsche Handels-Hoogeschool, on 8 November 1913.

Since then, the university has been dedicated to academic excellence, social engagement and international cooperation.

The ceremony includes the presentation of several awards and an honorary doctorate.

This year, RSM has been asked to select a distinguished researcher to receive the honorary doctorate. This award recognises outstanding contributions to research on management and leadership by academics worldwide, and acknowledges the social relevance of business administration.

At the proposal of RSM’s Department of Finance, the university nominated Prof. Patrick Bolton, Professor of Finance and Economics at Imperial College London, for his far-reaching and meaningful impact on academia and policy, particularly in the fields of contract theory, corporate finance, industrial organisation and climate finance. Honorary promotor is Dirk Schoenmaker, Professor of Banking and Finance at RSM, and academic director of the Erasmus Platform for Sustainable Value Creation.

Patrick Bolton’s research is widely cited, and his expertise is sought after by governments, financial institutions, and international organisations striving to navigate the complexities of financial markets and sustainable economic growth. His contributions have shaped the practical world of finance, from corporate decision-making to regulatory frameworks.

Prof Bolton’s research echoes the university’s strategy for 2030 for its research and way of operating, which looks for ways to build bridges between fundamental research and societal applications.

In addition to Prof. Bolton’s honorary doctorate, the Dies will celebrate excellence by presenting a number of awards , including the Research Prize, the Lambers Student Excellence Award and the FAME Athena Award.

The Dies Natalis ceremony will be followed by a reception from 16:30 - 17:30 in the Theil Hall.

The ceremony will be bilingual (Dutch/English), and will be livestreamed.

To reserve a seat at the Dies Natalis, sign up here: https://www.eur.nl/en/events/112th-dies-natalis-2025-11-10