Wageningen University Confronts Colonial Past in Groundbreaking 2026 Anniversary Celebration
Wageningen, Friday, 27 February 2026.
The Netherlands’ premier agricultural university will dedicate its 108th anniversary to examining its colonial history and promoting equitable science practices. Historian Larissa Schulte Nordholt will reveal findings about Wageningen’s controversial colonial role, with her research being published as a book in summer 2026. The March 6th Dies Natalis event features African PhD candidates whose research in Tanzania and Nigeria exemplifies the university’s shift toward valuing local knowledge and inclusive methodologies in global sustainability work.
Confronting Uncomfortable Truths
Rector Magnificus Carolien Kroeze emphasizes that understanding institutional history forms the foundation for creating equitable science practices [1]. “It is the task of a university to know its own history well,” Kroeze stated, acknowledging that “parts of that book deal with things we are not proud of” [1]. This candid admission signals a significant departure from traditional anniversary celebrations, positioning the March 6, 2026 Dies Natalis as a moment of institutional reckoning rather than mere celebration.
Historical Research Takes Center Stage
Historian Larissa Schulte Nordholt will present her comprehensive research on Wageningen’s colonial-era activities during the Dies Natalis ceremony [1]. Her findings, which examine the university’s historical role in colonial contexts, will be published as a book in summer 2026 [1]. This research represents a systematic effort to document and understand how the institution’s past intersects with colonial systems, providing the empirical foundation for the university’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
New Voices, Local Knowledge
The Dies Natalis program will feature presentations from PhD candidates Mukoma Kilakila and Stellamaris Aju, whose research is grounded in Tanzania and Nigeria respectively [1]. Stellamaris Aju, a 28-year-old development economist, focuses on seed systems, extension services, gender inequalities in agriculture, and farmer-agrodealer relationships at the micro level [3]. Her work exemplifies the university’s evolving approach to research, emphasizing field-based studies that connect directly to local communities. “I love applied research,” Aju explained, noting that “seeing how my work connects directly to people’s lives, and sometimes even spotting real change, gives me so much energy” [3].
Educational Reform and Future Vision
Bert Bruins, education director for International Land & Water Management, will present on how the university is reshaping its educational approach during the Dies ceremony [1]. “Our students are being trained for a world where global sustainability issues and justice are inextricably linked,” Bruins stated [1]. This educational philosophy represents a fundamental shift toward preparing graduates as “responsible changemakers” who understand the interconnections between environmental challenges and social equity [1]. Professor Aarti Gupta from Global Environmental Governance will also contribute to the program, reinforcing the university’s commitment to integrating justice considerations into environmental research [1].