University of Amsterdam opens Academic Year with speakers from AIGHD and PharmAccess

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) opens the 2014-2015 Academic Year today with a focus on Africa.

Several speakers will be elaborating on the theme of ‘Amsterdam in the wider world: Africa’. UvA alumnus Rob de Vos, consul general for the Netherlands in New York and former ambassador to South Africa, will be exploring science’s potential to supplement commerce and diplomacy as an engine for international collaboration. His presentation will be followed by an interactive intermezzo organized by students.

Finally, four colleagues from the Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD) and PharmAccess will present on healthcare improvements in Africa. Zlata Tanovic, Marleen Hendriks and Steven van de Vijver will share their Africa-related research projects, and Kees van Lede will discuss innovative approaches to health care such as mHealth. The opening will be concluded with a reception in the Maagdenhuis.

Remembrance
The UvA was also directly affected by the Malaysia Airlines MH17 crash. Prior to the opening, a moment of remembrance will be held for the UvA’s staff, students and alumni who were lost in the disaster.