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 Solar System: A grand tour of our home
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Click hereAmbassadors
“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
Burgemeester van 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 de Moleculaire Astrofysica
“The Kaiser Spring Lectures are a wonderful accesible way to learn more about the wonders of the universe.”
Prof. Dr. Ignas Snellen
Professor in de observationele astrofysica
“Black holes, dark matter, exoplanets, distant galaxies: It will all be given a chance this spring!”
Prof. Dr. Huub Röttgering
Scientific director, Professor in de observationele cosmologie
“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 de geschiedenis van de natuurwetenschappen
About us
Spring Lectures Committee 2021
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 2021 for the eigth time. However, this year will be a little different. All lectures will take place online instead of on the Old Observatory. This year, the committee consists of the following members:

Puck Rooijakkers
Chairwoman, Promo
Hi! My name is Puck. I’m 20 years old and a second year bachelor student in Astronomy. I have always been fascinated by astronomy and I have also wanted to know how the universe works. I joined the committee because I like to enthuse people about Astronomy. As chairwoman, it is my job to make sure the lectures go well and help the other committeemembers when necessary. Moreover, together with Shravya, I am responsible for the promotion of the lectures.

Shravya Shenoy
Secretary, Promo
Hi, I’m Shravya, a first year masters student. I joined the committee because apart from my love for the night sky, I have always enjoyed engaging with people and making science more accessible to the public. I have a dream, that someday nobody will ask me to predict their futures when I say I am an “astronomer”. As secretary of the committee, I keep track of what is discussed during the meetings and also work on the promotion with Puck.

Mike Wang
Treasurer, Speakers
Hello! I am Mike, 20 years old and I’m currently a second years Physics bachelor student. The study of the world around me has always been captivating for me and I have always wanted to know more about Astronomy. This is one of the reasons I joined the committee. As the treasurer, I am responsible for the finances of our committee. Additionally, I maintain contact with all our speakers.

Marieke Visscher
Logistics, Vice Chairwoman
Hi! I’m Marieke. I’m a third years bachelor student in Physics and Astronomy. I have always liked astronomy and the spring lectures are the perfect way to share my enthusiasm with more people. In the committee I am responsible for the logistics. In these specials times, this means I take care of the online environment. Moreover, I am the Vice Chairwoman of the committee.