Academia must help the 'losing generation'

People were relieved that Mirjam Sterk could deliver a speech in the Dom Church. For a moment, it seemed as though all members of the cabinet were expected to be in The Hague on Monday to salvage the 2027 budget. However, the discussions on this matter ended up taking place later in the day.

The minister explained that she has strong ties to Utrecht University. Not only did she study Theology in Utrecht for nine years, but her father also holds a UU degree. Soon, both her husband and daughter will be graduating from Utrecht University.

As a minister, she is concerned about a generation of young people weighed down by the threat of war, climate change and a housing shortage. The Internet also brings its own share of problems. “I’m talking about the manosphere, the gymtok movement, and all those unfiltered, often brutally harsh comments on social media.” 

Noting that one in seven young people now seek help from mental health services, the minister spoke of “a losing generation”. However, she emphasised this is not yet a “lost generation”. The belief that the tide can be turned is what drives her to work in politics. In her view, universities can be an ally in this mission. “Science is, to a large extent, about working towards a world that devises solutions and makes possible what still seems impossible. Scientists and students are the bearers of hope.”

We need support
Sanne Nijhof, a paediatrician and professor of Interdisciplinary Preventive Paediatrics at UMC Utrecht, was the keynote speaker. In her speech, she talked about what she believes academia's contribution might look like.

As a paediatrician, she realised that doctors should not focus solely on illnesses. After all, it is equally important to consider how a child is faring at home, at school and in their social interactions. Many chronically ill children experience difficulties in these areas. In such cases, it matters what sort of family they grow up in and how a school or care workers respond.

She related this realisation to the mental health issues faced by young people today. Research conducted at UU shows that young people in psychological distress feel better when they are supported by their parents, friends and teachers.

According to Nijhof, universities must investigate how to place the needs and lived experiences of children and young people at the centre. In her view, this requires an interdisciplinary approach. “We must not start with our own field of expertise, but rather with the question: what does this child, this young person, this family need?”

Nijhof is proud that the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital and Utrecht University, with its strategic theme "Dynamics of Youth", are striving to forge these connections alongside schools, the municipal council, youth care services and young people themselves. “There, students, researchers and professionals learn what is perhaps the most important skill of our time: building bridges.”

The importance of cross-fertilisation between scientific disciplines and between academia and societal partners was also central to the panel discussion moderated by the UU President Hans Brug. It included neurobiologist Heidi Lesscher, educational psychologist Odillia Laceulle, and social geographer Sara Brouwer, who explained how they seek out this type of collaboration as part of their own research within "Dynamics of Youth".

Miriam Osinga wrote the best Master’s thesis of 2026. Photo by Bas van Hattum

The winners of the student awards
The winners of the UU student awards were presented next. Three students had been nominated for each prize. 

The award for the best Master’s thesis went to Miriam Osinga, who just graduated in Molecular & Cellular Life Sciences and History & Philosophy of Science.

Miriam's thesis delved into the question "How did our consciousness arise?" She investigated the controversial Orch OR theory, which posits that quantum processes in the brain are responsible for consciousness. Based on existing scientific analyses, she concludes in her thesis that the theory is not yet convincing, but may still be valuable in the debate between biologists and philosophers on human consciousness.

According to the jury, the dissertation was both brave and strong in content. “It takes courage to bridge disciplines, challenge assumptions and not downplay a difficult question,” Rector Wilco Hazeleger read out from the jury report.

Biologist Connor Proudfoot and biomedical scientist Olaf Nijssen were also nominated. In this video, the three nominees explain what their research was about.

The Student Award for Social Impact went to Yeline Hoogmans, a Master’s student in Social Challenges & Policy Interventions. She developed the ASAP app, which enables women to contact people they know if they feel threatened on the street. The app was launched this summer. According to the jury, Yeline's app is helping create a society “in which safety is not a privilege, but a fundamental right."

Frederique van Aalst, a Master’s student in  Neuropsychology and Neuroscience & Cognition (founder of Utrecht Geeft), and Jouke Nabuurs, a student of Global Sustainability Science (co-founder of Thermal Compost Systems), were also nominated for this prize. Press play on the video below to learn how the three nominees are helping society.

The winners of the two prizes received a certificate and a cash prize of 1,500 euros each.

Closing remarks
On Monday, the university also announced the Alumnus of the Year 2026. This year’s winner is Mathematics graduate Jurriaan Parie, founder of Algorithm Audit, a non-profit organisation that tests AI applications and algorithms for implicit bias and discrimination. Parie previously worked in commercial consultancy.

The closing remarks were given by Margot van der Starre. This was her last day in the vice-presidency of Utrecht University. She said she has also noticed that students are under a lot of pressure and uncertainty, which is why she and her colleagues in the Executive Board have sought to offer support. “It all starts with personal contact, but it's also reflected in the choices we make: our teaching, our campus, our buildings, and the activities we organise.”

Van der Starre called on politicians not to create barriers when universities use government funding to support students’ cultural and sporting activities. The previous cabinet sought to restrict that possibility, and the current government may still seek to curb subsidies for such facilities. Minister Sterk, who is also responsible for Sport, had already left the Dom Church and was on her way to The Hague by then.

Click below to watch the whole Academic Year Opening Ceremony.