During the New Year's Meeting, the Hermesdorf Prizes were awarded and several interviews with employees on current topics around the theme ‘Hope’ took place. In addition, several alumni were named Radboud Alumni of the Year. The musical intermezzo was performed by Roel Smeets. During the walk-in there was a look back to 2025 through facts and figures. A video with photos by Dick van Aalst and music by Thomas Dessing was also a look back to last year.
Looking back on the New Year's Gathering 2026
Radboud University's New Year's Gathering was held 5 January 2026 in the Aula. Talks with various employees looked back on 2025 and looked ahead to 2026.
Speech by Alexandra van Huffelen
After a brief welcome speech by Rector Magnificus José Sanders, chairperson Alexandra van Huffelen delivered the New Year's speech.
Annual Review 2025
Look at the facts and figures of 2025 (in Dutch)
The Hermesdorf Awards
The Hermesdorf Awards were presented during the New Year's gathering. This year's Hermesdorf Award goes to breast radiologist Ritse Mann of Radboudumc, and the Hermesdorf Talent Award goes to Ferhat Beyaz, Mirjam Schaap and Hilde Bronkhorst. Each year, the Hermesdorf Prizes go to a junior and a senior researcher from Radboud University and/or Radboudumc who have made a significant social impact with their research.
Announcement of Radboud Alumni of the Year 2026
Radboud University has named Pauldy Otermans, Mariano Molina, Renée Römkens and Johan Vollenbroek as Alumni of the Year 2026. Judith Holzmann will also receive a special mention. The Alumni of the Year award honours former students who, through their efforts, have made a demonstrable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all.
