Opening Academic Year

Photo credits: ANP
On Monday 31 August 2026 from 15:00 - 17:30hrs, Wageningen University & Research celebrates its Opening Academic Year 2026–2027.
Opening Academic Year 2026-2027
The Opening of the Academic Year will take place on Monday 31 August 2026 from 15:00 - 17:30hrs. The celebration will be accessible both in Omnia building at Wageningen Campus and online.
Together with students, colleagues, partners, and relations from across society, we will mark the beginning of a new academic year: a moment to reflect, connect, and look ahead.
This year, we will explore the dilemmas associated with the return of some wildlife species. While many see this as a positive development for nature, it also raises concerns for those experiencing unwanted consequences.
We look forward to welcoming you in Wageningen or online. Further details will be announced shortly.
Previous editions of Opening Academic Year
Opening Academic Year 2025–2026
On Monday 1 September 2025, Wageningen University & Research celebrated its Opening Academic Year 2025-2026. This year's theme was: Food for Health: what really works
Opening Academic Year 2024-2025
On Monday 2 September 2024 Wageningen University & Research celebrated the Opening of the Academic Year 2024-2025. The theme was The Water-Food Connection: Ensuring Future Food Security.
Opening Academic Year 2023-2024
Wageningen University & Research celebrated the Opening of the 2023–2024 Academic Year on Monday, 4 September 2023. The theme was “Shaping Sustainable Futures.”
Opening Academic Year 2022-2023
The theme “Planetary Boundaries” was central on Monday, 5 September, during the Opening of the 2022–2023 Academic Year.
Opening Academic Year 2021-2022
Wageningen University & Research celebrated the Opening of the 2021–2022 Academic Year in 2021. The theme was Crossing Boundaries.
Opening Academic Year 2025–2026
On Monday 1 September 2025, Wageningen University & Research celebrated its Opening Academic Year 2025-2026. This year's theme was: Food for Health: what really works
Opening Academic Year 2024-2025
On Monday 2 September 2024 Wageningen University & Research celebrated the Opening of the Academic Year 2024-2025. The theme was The Water-Food Connection: Ensuring Future Food Security.
Opening Academic Year 2023-2024
Wageningen University & Research celebrated the Opening of the 2023–2024 Academic Year on Monday, 4 September 2023. The theme was “Shaping Sustainable Futures.”
Opening Academic Year 2022-2023
The theme “Planetary Boundaries” was central on Monday, 5 September, during the Opening of the 2022–2023 Academic Year.
Opening Academic Year 2021-2022
Wageningen University & Research celebrated the Opening of the 2021–2022 Academic Year in 2021. The theme was Crossing Boundaries.
Do you have a question about this event?
Contact the events team: