3 October University

Those who have had enough of all that beer, herring and white bread during Leidens Onzet (Relief of Leiden) should definitely pay the Van der Werfpark a visit. This is the spot where Leiden University holds its annual 3 October University: a veritable science market where researchers give the public an interactive introduction to their work. Live experiments, science games, guided tours, VR experiences... You name it.

Interested in presenting your research at the next edition or organising an activity? Contact the science communication adviser.

Night of Discoveries

The Night of Discoveries is the annual science and culture festival in the province of Zuid-Holland. The historical centre of Leiden is transformed into a stage for artists, actors, dancers, musicians, opinion leaders and researchers. Thousands of visitors choose from more than 150 acts, often at locations such as the Old Observatory that are not usually open to the public. Young and old are more than welcome to enjoy this wondrous night.

Fancy contributing? For more information, contact the Science Communications Adviser or see the Night of Discoveries website

Lowlands Science

Lowlands Science is the science programme at Lowlands. Research teams from all over the Netherlands can submit a proposal for research that they will carry out at the festival. In the Lowlands Science Lab, festivalgoers volunteer for experiments that will help advance science. Participating researchers often collect a lot of data while at the same time getting festivalgoers and the media interested in their research.

The possibilities are endless, as long as the proposals demonstrate that the research is feasible and of a high enough quality. Read the factsheet for more information and a list of participating organisations from recent years. If you are interested in submitting a proposal for the next edition of Lowlands Science, please contact thescience communication adviser. She can provide information about the procedure and requirements and help you submit a proposal.

Studium Generale

Studium Generale offers a wide range of academic activities, such as lectures, symposia, film screenings and debates. It also has its own podcast, Radio Horzelnest. Studium Generale aims to increase public interest in science, provide more insight into the links between different disciplines and contribute to cultural and social developments and a better understanding of the relationship between science and society.

Most of the Studium Generale lectures are part of a short series. If you have suggestions for such a series or would like to contribute, please contact the programme committee at studiumgenerale@sea.leidenuniv.nl

Other public events

During the year all sorts of one-off events are organised that give researchers a platform to talk about their work. We also receive requests from external organisations about whether the university can contribute to a programme. If you would like to contribute, tell your faculty’s communication department or the science communications adviser. Then they’ll know they can contact you in the future