Kaiser Spring Lectures
The Kaiser Spring Lectures is a series of lectures organized by Kaiser during the Spring. The lectures have been very successful since they were first organised in 2014 The spirit of the lectures is to invite real astronomers. They will explain their own research to the general public.
The new theme for 2022 will be announced soon!
Ambassadors
“That Leiden is rightly City of Discoveries, is proven by the Kaiser Spring Lectures. A good reason to come to the beautiful Leiden Old Observatory.”
Drs. Henri J.J. Lenferink
Mayor of Leiden.
“Come hear these super interesting lectures!”
Prof. Mr. Carel Stolker
Former Rector Magnificus Universiteit Leiden
“Are you an adventurer? Come hear the Kaiser Spring Lectures, and learn how you can land on a comet!”
Prof. Dr. Ewine van Dishoeck
Professor in Molecular Astrophysics
“The Kaiser Spring Lectures are a wonderful accesible way to learn more about the wonders of the universe.”
Prof. Dr. Ignas Snellen
Professor in observational astrophysics
“Black holes, dark matter, exoplanets, distant galaxies: It will all be given a chance this spring!”
Prof. Dr. Huub Röttgering
Scientific director, Professor in observational cosmology
“Spring: budding green, crocuses, easter, the Matthew Passion, and of course we can not forget the Kaiser Spring Lectures!”
Prof. Dr. Frans van Lunteren
Professor in the history of science
About us
Spring Lectures Committee 2022
The Kaiser Spring Lectures are an initiative of Leiden University and the Leiden Astronomical Study Association ‘F. Kaiser’. This is a association for all students of astronomy at Leiden, from freshmen to Ph.D.. L.A.D ‘F. Kaiser ‘is named after Frederik Kaiser, the first director and founder of the Old Observatory. The association organizes many activities for students, from drinks and football tournaments, to lectures and museum visits and is fully managed by students.
A part of the association is the Spring Lectures Committee. They will organize the Spring lectures in 2022 for the ninth time. This year, the committee consists of the following members:
Nicky de Monchy
Chairwoman
Hi there! My name is Nicky and I’m in my first year of the Master Astronomy and Science Communication. I’ve always been intrigued by the wonders of the Universe and I’d love to share my enthusiasm with everyone. This year I am the chairwoman of the Kaiser Spring Lecture committee where it is my job to make sure that everything runs smoothly. We hope you’re as excited as we are for the upcoming Spring Lectures! It’s going to be great!.
Nikki Geesink
Secretary
Hello, I’m Nikki, I’m 20 years old and I’m in the 3rd year of the bachelor Astronomy. My greatest passion is of course astronomy but I also love travelling and running. I enjoy taking part in running competitions and I am also a member of the Leiden student running association. I started studying astronomy because I am very curious about big questions like, how did the universe start? I think it would be fun to make the secrets of the universe accessible to a large audience with the Kaiser spring lectures. My role in the spring lectures committee is the role of secretary, I keep track of what is discussed during the meetings and can be reached as a contact person for questions.
Yannick Badoux
Promo, Vice-chairman
Hi, I’m Yannick, I’m 20 years old and I’m currently in my 3rd year of the Astronomy bachelor. My fascination with space started when I watched the Star Wars movies once as a kid and since then space and stars have never lost my interest. I want to know everything about them and still have a lot of questions that I hope to get answers to through my study or maybe through one of these lectures! This year, it is my task to promote the Kaiser Spring Lectures through social media, website and other media. I am also this years Vice-chairman.
Tobias Eikelenboom
Treasurer
Hello, I am Tobias, I am 21 years old and I am in my third year of my astronomy Bachelor. The universe and its mysteries have always fascinated me, so I started studying astronomy in the hope that I could unravel these mysteries. As treasurer, my responsibility is to keep the finances within the committee running smoothly.
Daan Letter
Logistics, Speakers
Hello, my name is Daan Letter and I am a second year astrophysics bachelor student. I’ve loved space ever since I was a little kid, reading about all sorts of amazing things in the universe. Studying this amazing topic was the logical step to take. I am in charge of the logistics behind the spring lectures, contacting speakers for example.
