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Dies Natalis - Honorary Doctorate for Prof. Dr. Jean Hartley

19 November 2026

15.30 18.00 hour

Dies Natalis - Honorary Doctorate for Prof. Dr. Jean Hartley

Tilburg University celebrates its 99th Dies Natalis on Thursday, November 19, 2026. This celebration carries special weight this year: as TIAS celebrates its 40th anniversary, the Dies Natalis marks the beginning of Tilburg University’s jubilee year ‘100 Years Together’.

During the Dies Natalis, Prof. Dr. Jean Hartley, Professor of Public Leadership at The Open University Business School, will receive an honorary doctorate from Tilburg University. Awarded upon the nomination of TIAS, Prof. dr. Woody van Olffen will serve as the honorary supervisor.

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Honorary Doctorate for Prof. Dr. Jean Hartley

Prof. Dr. Jean Hartley, will receive an honorary doctorate this afternoon in recognition of her exceptional academic achievements and societal impact in the fields of leadership, public value, and innovation. Like no other, she exemplifies how science and practice are stronger together.

Jean Hartley’s research focuses on how leadership and innovation can contribute to improving public and societal organizations. A defining feature of her work is the strong connection between academic insights and everyday practice. As the founder of the Centre for Policing Research and Learning, she brings together researchers and UK police forces to share knowledge and drive improvements in practice. Her research on public value, collaboration, and organizational change closely aligns with TIAS’s ambition to create societal impact through academic knowledge.

In short

  • Date: 19 November

  • Program:

    15.30 hour | Welcome & registration in the aula

    16.00 hour | 99th Dies Natalis and Honorary Doctorate Ceremony

    17.15 hour | Networking Drinks

Tilburg University is the host of the Dies Natalis celebration. The formal academic ceremony will be followed by a networking reception. A TIAS banner in the foyer will mark an informal gathering point for TIAS alumni, faculty, and staff wishing to meet and catch up.