Dialogue session

Dialogue Session on Leiden University’s Colonial and Slavery Past

Date

Wednesday 11 March 2026

Time

15:30 - 17:00 hour

Address

Kamerlingh Onnes Building
Steenschuur 25
2311 ES Leiden

Room

Lorentzzaal (A1.44)

The registration deadline is 6 March.

Registration

What does the University’s colonial and slavery past mean for us today – and where do we go from here? These are the questions we will explore together at this dialogue session for students and staff on 11 March.

Context and background

The preliminary study into Leiden University’s history of colonialism and slavery has shown that, through its teaching and research, the University contributed to the wider system of Dutch colonialism and slavery. Since the presentation of this study on 3 April 2025, the University has embarked on a process of reflection. Faculties and central units across Leiden University are considering how best to move forward, with the aim of developing a shared proposal for the next steps.

In dialogue

We believe it is important to have this conversation together as a university community. We therefore warmly invite you to a dialogue session, where we can exchange ideas and reflections on what this history means, how it continues to shape the present, and possible ways forward. The session is open to all staff and students of Leiden University and will be held in English. Whether you have been engaged with this topic for some time or are coming to it with questions, you are very welcome. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to continue the conversation over refreshments until 18.00.

The programme will be announced soon. 

Registration

This dialogue session is open only to staff and students of Leiden University and LUMC. Please register using the registration form before 6 March and bring your staff or student ID card. Online participation is not possible.

Do you have any questions about this event? Please contact Jante van der Naaten, [e-mail].