On behalf of Rector Magnificus Silvia Lenaerts, we would like to invite you to the TU/e Research Day 2026. This inspiring annual event brings people together and puts cutting-edge research, innovation and academic excellence in the spotlight.

This year’s theme is ‘Curiosity Connects’. We are celebrating the awarding of an honorary doctorate to Christian Borgs, Professor of Computer Science at the Berkeley AI Research Group (BAIR). He is a world-leading researcher at the interface of mathematics, statistical physics, theoretical computer science and AI for science.

Research Day 2026 also marks the official start of the TU/e’s 70th-anniversary Lustrum celebrations. Earlier that morning, TU/e staff will bring science and curiosity to the heart of Eindhoven during the festive Lustrum Kick-off in the city centre. The morning and afternoon programmes are designed to link seamlessly, allowing participants to take part in both events

Programme

TU/e 70th Anniversary Kick-off

Morning | Eindhoven City Centre

Every day, you’re driven by curiosity—gaining new knowledge and inspiring young people. On the morning of 23 June, we’ll bring that spirit into the city and show why science matters. Not in a lecture theatre. Not on a stage. But right in the heart of Eindhoven, visible to everyone.

9.00–10.30: Academic staff, wearing their togas, will cycle through Eindhoven, visiting local schools to give short and inspiring mini-lectures about their research and what drives their curiosity. In line with our ‘Everyone Professor’ principle, we encourage all academic staff—professors, associate professors and assistant professors alike—to take part and share their curiosity.

11:00, Official kick-off ceremony at Stadhuisplein. We will be formally welcomed by Mayor Jeroen Dijsselbloem.

11:30 – 12:00, Ceremonial academic procession (cortège) from the city centre to the TU/e campus. We warmly invite the entire TU/e community to join us on the walk!

Participation is organised separately, but the morning and afternoon programmes are designed to flow seamlessly into one another.

Kick-start your academic career in the EU

12:00–13:30 | Auditorium, TU/e Campus
Aimed at PhD students, EngD students, postdocs and early-career researchers

Arrival and networking: 12:00–12:30, to ensure everyone can join the procession through the city.
The programme starts at 12:30.

Take your first step into European research funding with this networking session. Whether you want to join a consortium, write your first proposal, or build your EU network—this interactive session connects you with colleagues who have done this successfully.

Meet experienced TU/e researchers and support staff during the speed dating sessions and expand your professional network within the university. Get direct advice from funding experts, grant advisers and project professionals.

Or simply meet them briefly and exchange contact details to see if they can help you with their experience, and agree to follow up after Research Day. Curious to know who the experts will be? Have a look!

Fast-paced, personalised and designed to help you make connections.

Academic Career Forum

13:30–14:30 | Blauwe Zaal Auditorium, TU/e Campus

In this plenary session, honorary doctorate recipient Christian Borgs joins his supervisors on stage to reflect on a career that bridges academia and industry—driven by curiosity at every step.

Moderated by the Eindhoven Young Academy of Engineering, this interactive discussion invites questions from the audience and offers fresh perspectives on shaping your own path.

Be inspired by a career that goes beyond the traditional path.

Innovation Expo – Curiosity Connects

14:30–16:00 | Auditorium, TU/e Campus

Experience research in action.

Meet TU/e institutes, services and industry partners, explore live demos and discover the latest breakthroughs. See how research translates into real-world impact—and where your career could take you.

Have a look around, satisfy your curiosity, and make meaningful connections.

Academic Ceremony

16:00–17:30 | Blauwe Zaal Auditorium, TU/e Campus
Doors close at 15:50

Celebrate excellence in research and academia during this festive ceremony featuring:

Honorary Doctorate – Christian Borgs

TU/e Science Awards
• Young Researcher Award; Minha Lee, Maarten Houben, Marta Gil Pérez, Shahryar Sarabi, Rianne Conijn, Albert Schrotenboer, Pavlo Bazilinskyy
• Groundbreaking Research Award; Yali Tang, XiaoCheng Mi, Federico Corradi, Marco Fattori
• Leadership in Excellence Award; Carlijn Bouten, Erik Bakkers, Kitty Nijmeijer, Emiel Hensen, Tanja Lange, Sofía Calero, Andrea Fiore

TU/e Academic Awards
• Best PhD Thesis Award; Laura van Hazendonk, Chris Verhoek, Fernando Lit, Renee Noortman, Mike Pols, Alberto Comoretto, Marina Borzova
• Best EngD Thesis Award; Georgia Skroumpelou, Sofia Iosfididou, Quinten van den Elsen, Pradheepan Raghavan, Ishmam Hossain, Elze Swinkels, Jasmijn Haverhals, Ted Manders

Postdoc Association – Best Paper Award Pitch

Reception

17:30–18:30 | Auditorium, TU/e Campus

Round off the day with a festive reception. Celebrate the honorary doctorate and award winners, catch up with colleagues, and continue your conversations in a relaxed setting.

Join us!

TU/e Research Day 2026 is the perfect opportunity to connect, discover and celebrate excellence in science, technology and innovation.

Register now