68 upcoming lectures events
Facts and myths: Police and DV support services
Sat, 11 Apr 2026 at 15:00
Buurtboot
Join a free, informational session debunking myths about police procedures and victim-support services after domestic violence. The talk outlines how help is accessed, what survivors can expect, and how communities can respond, hosted aboard Buurtboot in Amsterdam.
Simone de Beauvoirs ‘De tweede sekse’ herverteld
Sun, 12 Apr 2026 at 14:00
De Balie
A thought-provoking lecture at De Balie revisits Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex, reframing gender, freedom and public debate for today’s audience. Expect a lively discussion in Amsterdam about feminist philosophy and how the classic text speaks to contemporary society.
AI at War – with Shane Harris
Mon, 13 Apr 2026 at 14:00
De Balie
A De Balie lecture titled 'AI at War' with journalist Shane Harris, examining how artificial intelligence reshapes modern conflict, governance, and public discourse. The talk invites a lively, free public discussion on AI’s political and security implications and the ethics of autonomous systems.
The John Adams presents Evan Osnos: Shadows of the American Dream
Mon, 13 Apr 2026 at 20:00
On Location: Pakhuis de Zwijger, Piet Heinkade 179, Amsterdam
Evan Osnos' Shadows of the American Dream unfolds at Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam, a piercing lecture on inequality, ambition and opportunity that riffs on Langston Hughes and asks what the dream costs the many.
Science & Cocktails: Is Dutch democracy at risk?
Tue, 14 Apr 2026
Tolhuistuin
Science and Cocktails unfolds at Tolhuistuin in Amsterdam as Sarah de Lange leads a provocative talk on whether Dutch democracy is at risk, pairing smoky cocktails and live music with sharp, accessible science.
Machine Learning for Network Slice Resource Management
Mon, 13 Apr 2026 at 13:00
University of Amsterdam (UvA)
Explore how machine learning can optimize network slice resource management at the University of Amsterdam. The talk covers models, practical challenges, and deployment considerations for next-generation telecom systems, with implications for scalable networks.
Dynamics of media and public agendas in EU–China trade
Mon, 13 Apr 2026 at 16:00
University of Amsterdam (UvA)
An academic lecture from the University of Amsterdam analyzing how media coverage, political messaging, and public agendas shape EU–China trade relations from a European perspective. The talk examines media framing, policy implications, and journalism’s role in shaping international diplomacy and trade outcomes.
The ‘Elite’ as Delicate Beast
Mon, 13 Apr 2026 at 17:00
University of Amsterdam (UvA)
An academic lecture at the University of Amsterdam examining how the concept of the 'elite' operates as a delicate social construct. The talk blends philosophy and sociology to explore power, perception, and vulnerability in contemporary elites.
Patient-friendly ketogenic diet for epilepsy: development and preclinical validation
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 at 13:00
University of Amsterdam (UvA)
At the University of Amsterdam, this lecture presents a patient-friendly ketogenic diet for epilepsy, outlining development and preclinical validation. The talk connects nutrition science to potential clinical practice, covering study design, mechanisms, and anticipated patient benefits.
Kennismakers: blik op femicide
Wed, 15 Apr 2026 at 14:00
De Balie
A focused Kennismakers discussion at De Balie in Amsterdam examining femicide, its social roots, and how public dialogue can shape policy and prevention. Scholars, activists, and practitioners explore accountability, protection, and concrete steps for change.
ACLE & ABS Finance Group Seminar: Iñaki Aldasoro (BIS)
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 at 13:00
University of Amsterdam (UvA)
An academic lecture at the University of Amsterdam as part of the ACLE & ABS Finance Group, featuring Iñaki Aldasoro (BIS). The talk covers current topics in finance and central banking, with a Q&A session to follow.
The Making of Amsterdam (1980–Today): Talk with Marcel van Engelen
Wed, 15 Apr 2026 at 19:00
Beurs van Berlage
Join journalist Marcel van Engelen for an evening at Meet Berlage as he reveals how Amsterdam transformed from 1980 to today. Learn why housing and aging neighborhoods turned into Europe’s hotspots, with snacks and sharp insights.
Inaugural lecture - Naomi Bueno de Mesquita
Thu, 16 Apr 2026
Conservatorium van Amsterdam
A formal inaugural lecture by Naomi Bueno de Mesquita at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. The keynote explores contemporary politics within an elegant, music-conservatory setting, followed by discussion, inviting scholars, students and professionals to engage in interdisciplinary civic dialogue.
Reactive crystallization of chiral molecules
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 at 16:00
University of Amsterdam (UvA)
A university lecture at the University of Amsterdam on reactive crystallization of chiral molecules, detailing how asymmetry can be amplified and deracemization achieved through reaction pathways. The talk covers mechanisms, experimental approaches, and implications for synthesis and materials science.
An immune symphony: antibody isotypes and inflammation
Wed, 15 Apr 2026 at 11:00
University of Amsterdam (UvA)
At the University of Amsterdam, this science lecture explores how antibody isotypes and subclasses influence inflammatory responses. The talk covers mechanisms, recent findings, and potential therapeutic implications in an accessible campus setting.
Unraveling Coronary Vasomotor Dysfunction in Angina (NOCAD)
Wed, 15 Apr 2026 at 13:00
University of Amsterdam (UvA)
A university-hosted lecture at the University of Amsterdam exploring coronary vasomotor dysfunction in patients with angina and non-obstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD). The talk covers latest research, diagnostic approaches, and implications for treatment and patient care in clinical cardiology.
Living and active polymers in complex environments
Wed, 15 Apr 2026 at 14:00
University of Amsterdam (UvA)
This University of Amsterdam lecture explores living and active polymers in complex environments, examining how polymer chains adapt to crowded, multi-component systems. The talk highlights recent advances in polymer dynamics, self-assembly, and functional soft materials with implications for biotechnology and materials science.
Remembering Otherwise: In Gesprek
Thu, 16 Apr 2026 at 18:00
Café Belcampo
An in-depth, interactive discussion prompted by belit sağ's Remembering Otherwise. With professionals and lived-experience experts, the session examines women's rights, access to justice, labor struggles, discrimination, and solidarity—then and now—and what this means for contemporary views on justice and equality.
Biografie in Psychoanalyse: Greet Hofmans biography
Thu, 16 Apr 2026 at 20:00
Perdu
Han van Bree presents his biography Het vertroebelde oog, the life of Greet Hofmans, in the Biografie in Psychoanalyse series at Perdu, Amsterdam.
Tyler Prize State of the Environment address with Toby Kiers, 2026 Laureate
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 at 13:30
ARTIS Zoo
Join Toby Kiers, the Tyler Prize 2026 Laureate, for a live conversation on pressing environmental challenges and innovative solutions at the Planetarium, Artis Zoo in Amsterdam. A science-forward discussion blending research and policy, inviting audiences to explore our planet's future.
Remembering Otherwise: Gesprek
Mon, 20 Apr 2026
Remembering Otherwise: In Gesprek
An in-depth, interactive discussion hosted by KunstenDialoog, reflecting on Remembering Otherwise by belit sağ. The talk examines women’s rights, justice access, labor struggles, discrimination and solidarity—then and now—featuring professionals and lived-experience voices in Amsterdam.
HUMA-café met Thijs Pepping: Tweede brein – naar een digitale levenskunst
Sun, 19 Apr 2026 at 15:00
Perdu
Thijs Pepping explores how artificial intelligence reshapes how we think, feel, and act, and how we can preserve authenticity, autonomy, free will and relationships in a digital age. A thoughtful HUMA Café talk at Perdu in Amsterdam, blending philosophy and technology in an accessible discussion.
Kafka, kapitaal en camouflage: filosoferen over metamorfosen
Tue, 21 Apr 2026 at 20:00
Perdu
Felix & Sofie invite you to an intimate Perdu program in Amsterdam that probes metamorphosis through Kafka, capitalism, and camouflage. A provocative blend of literature and philosophy, this evening invites lively discussion on how ideas shape identity and social change.
De Staat van de Europese Literatuur 2026: Georgi Gospodinov
Thu, 7 May 2026 at 20:00
Spui25
A key installment of the State of European Literature series featuring Georgi Gospodinov, discussing contemporary European fiction. Formal evening lecture at Spui25 (Universiteitsbibliotheek, Vendelstraat 2) in Amsterdam.
Colloquium Rond Jan Zwart
Sat, 25 Apr 2026 at 14:15
Het Orgelpark
Colloquium Rond Jan Zwart at Orgelpark in Amsterdam invites curious minds for a thoughtful lecture on organ music and sound, pairing scholarly talk with the venue's intimate, organ-filled atmosphere.
Atlas van het Nederlands slavernijverleden
Mon, 11 May 2026 at 17:00
Spui25
A program exploring the broader Dutch slavery history beyond the familiar narrative about 600,000 Africans, highlighting overlooked stories around the world. Journalist Leendert van der Valk leads a discussion on forgotten places and forgotten people, presented at Spui25 in Amsterdam.
The traces of the Nieuwmarkt
Thu, 7 May 2026 at 17:30
Waag FutureLab
The traces of the Nieuwmarkt at Waag FutureLab invites a thoughtful lecture tracing the district’s history through memory, urban change and architectural detail.
Science & Cocktails: Predicting human life
Tue, 19 May 2026
Tolhuistuin
An evening at Tolhuistuin that pairs a live science talk with cocktails and live music. Explore predictions about human life in an engaging, accessible setting, where science meets social vibes in Amsterdam.
Science & Cocktails: Predicting human life
Tue, 19 May 2026 at 19:30
Paradiso
An evening at Paradiso pairing a science talk on predicting human life with cocktail tastings and live music. This stylish event blends accessible science outreach with nightlife in an iconic Amsterdam venue.
The Pickled City: Pickle History & New York
Fri, 8 May 2026 at 17:00
ABC Amsterdam, Spui 12 1012XA
Join the authors of The Pickled City for an engaging afternoon lecture on the history of pickles, linking Amsterdam's De Zure Stad lore with the New York pickle story. At ABC Amsterdam, they weave culinary history and urban flavor into a lively talk for food lovers and history buffs.
Public Problematisations of AI
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 17:00
Spui25
A panel of researchers discusses how AI's role in society is publicly problematised and explores imagining alternative futures for living with AI.
Feestelijke aftrap van de Boekenweek 2026
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 20:00
Spui25
Kick off Boekenweek 2026 with a festive live edition of the Literaire Letterenshow podcast, featuring guests including Dean Bowen and Babs Schutte, plus tributes to favorite books.
Autisme. Een biografie
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 20:00
Spui25
In Spui25 Amsterdam, author and literary scholar Niels Springveld discusses Autism. Een biografie, tracing autism’s history and its evolving portrayal in culture, in a live conversation about diagnosis, identity and storytelling.
Rusland. Een strijd tegen moderniteit
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 17:00
Spui25
Renowned Russian historian Alexander Etkind discusses his book Russia. Een strijd tegen moderniteit, analyzing the regime and the drivers of war, in conversation with Peter van Dam, moderated by Simone Peek, at Spui25 in Amsterdam.
Shaping Real Lives into Narratives: Heather Clark on Truth and Fiction
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 17:00
Spui25
Shaping Real Lives into Narratives: Heather Clark on Truth and Fiction at Spui25 in Amsterdam probes how biography balances fact and imagination, and what writers must navigate when weaving history and story.
Confronting Genocide Denial: What can we do?
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 17:00
Spui25
A thought-provoking lecture at Spui25 addressing why genocide denial persists, how it manifests, and effective ways to challenge it in public memory and discourse. Experts will examine mechanisms by which atrocities are minimized and discuss strategies for counter-narratives in society and policy.
Het ontstaan van taal
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 20:00
Spui25
Evolutionary biologist Madeleine Beekman presents a radical theory that human language arose from shared childcare rather than hunting or tool-making.
De onzekerheidsepidemie
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 20:00
Spui25
A provocative lecture at Spui25 examining how AI, weather data, and geopolitical shifts seed uncertainty in everyday life. The talk probes how sensors, cameras, and dashboards shape our trust—and our choices—in a world where tech and politics intertwine.
Zondagskinderen – Europeanen, oorlog en vrede
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 20:00
Spui25
Caroline de Gruyter, NRC Handelsblad's Europe correspondent, discusses her book Zondagskinderen and how Europe came to take peace for granted, even as new geopolitical tensions mount. In this Amsterdam lecture at Spui25, she analyzes the fragility of peace and what it means for Europe today.
Uitreiking Socratesbeker 2026
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 19:00
Spui25
An award ceremony for the Socrates Cup 2026 at Spui25 in Amsterdam, featuring interviews with the nominees of the Dutch philosophy book of the year and the final winner announcement.
The ‘Elite’ as Delicate Beast
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 17:00
Spui25
A thought-provoking lecture at Spui25 in Amsterdam, examining how the term 'elite' is deployed in debates about justice, democracy, and inequality. It traces distinctions among intellectual, colonial, nouveau riche and postcolonial elites and challenges the idea of a single 'elit
The New Women of the Right: How the Far Right Has Waged the Gender War in France
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 17:00
Spui25
The New Women of the Right: How the Far Right Has Waged the Gender War in France takes the Voltaire lecture at Spui25 in Amsterdam as a lens to examine how female leaders, media strategies, and gender politics reshape European politics.
Sudan in Context: Islamic Modernity & Sufism
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 20:00
Spui25
Join a scholarly dialogue on Mahmud Muhammad Taha, the Sudanese thinker who linked Sufism to Islamic reform. Scholars explore his Second Message of Islam and its relevance to contemporary Sudan, with a panel and a keynote discussion at Spui25 in Amsterdam.
Activisme en solidariteit in de queergemeenschap in de jaren zeventig en tachtig
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 20:00
Spui25
A compelling lecture tracing 1970s–80s queer activism in the Netherlands, from COC to feminist collectives and unions, born amid exclusion and HIV/AIDS, and built on fierce solidarity—at Spui25 in Amsterdam.
Young Men, Masculinity, and Democracy: Challenges and Pathways Forward
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 17:00
Spui25
A multidisciplinary roundtable at Spui25 in Amsterdam exploring how masculinity, gender equality, and democratic engagement shape young men's political attitudes across Europe. The session brings together researchers, practitioners, and an artistic intervention to examine pathways toward a more caring democracy.
Synthetic Genders: How Generative AI Reimagines Gender in Visual Culture
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 20:00
University of Amsterdam (UvA)
Three talks at the University of Amsterdam explore how Generative AI reshapes gender in visual culture, examining gendered art-historical styles, AI analyses of gender in visual art and film.
‘Beyond Sanctuary’ with Ananya Roy and Veronika Zablotsky
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 17:00
Spui25
Scholars Ananya Roy and Veronika Zablotsky discuss migration, abolitionist and decolonial imaginaries, and their book in a dialogue at Spui25 in Amsterdam.
On Failure: Error and Defeat in the Arts of the Dutch Republic
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 17:00
Spui25
This scholarly lecture at Spui25 rethinks failure and defeat in the arts of the Dutch Republic, questioning the 'golden age' narrative and Amsterdam Museum's 2019 shift. It explores risk, bankruptcy, crises, and disaster as shaping forces in early modern art history.
Cloud Capitalism
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 20:00
University of Amsterdam (UvA)
Devika Narayan discusses the political economy of cloud computing and leads a debate on how tech platforms shape contemporary capitalism.
A Slippery Slope: ICE and the normalization of harm
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 20:00
Spui25
A compelling lecture at Spui25 in Amsterdam examining how ICE raids and anti-immigrant narratives normalize harm. The talk traces historical roots, analyzes policy implications, and invites reflection on resistance and more humane approaches to migration.
Wonen, wonen, wonen
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 20:00
Spui25
A lecture examining the Dutch housing crisis: why social housing has shrunk, how youth access to homes has changed, and the tensions between housing associations and tenants.
Sakura: The Flowering of Cherry Blossoms
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 17:00
Spui25
Sakura: The Flowering of Cherry Blossoms at Spui25 in Amsterdam traces the blossom's history—from Collingwood 'Cherry' Ingram to Japan's iconic spring—through Naoko Abe's engaging history lecture.
The Weight of the Wild
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 20:00
Spui25
Screening of the short documentary The Weight of the Wild, followed by a conversation on translating lived ecological change into policy and institutional context.
Een avond met Gisèle Pelicot
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 20:00
Spui25
Join Gisèle Pelicot for an intimate evening at Spui25 in Amsterdam as she shares insights from her book Ode aan het leven and argues for shifting how shame is handled in everyday life. Expect a thoughtful, empowering lecture that blends personal experience with universal themes of resilience. An engaging event for adults seeking meaningful reflection.
Solidariteit, een kleine filosofie
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 20:00
Spui25
René ten Bos explores how solidarity evolves from a revolutionary idea to a familiar moral cliché, blending philosophy, literature, and imagination. At Spui25 in Amsterdam, the talk questions where true solidarity lies—beyond rules and policy—within our shared vulnerability.
Colson Whitehead - Writing America
Thu, 2 Jul 2026 at 19:30
De Rode Hoed
Colson Whitehead brings Writing America to De Rode Hoed in Amsterdam, tracing Harlem to the heart of the American story. An intimate, thought-provoking lecture on narrative craft, race, and memory by the Pulitzer Prize winner.
Uitreiking Brusseprijs 2026
Sat, 13 Jun 2026 at 21:30
De Rode Hoed
An elegant awards ceremony announcing the Brusseprijs winner for the best Dutch-language journalistic book. Held at De Rode Hoed in Amsterdam, the festive evening celebrates investigative journalism and literary excellence as the prize is awarded.
The Languages of Opera: No Problem?
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 17:00
University of Amsterdam (UvA)
Scholarly discussion at the University of Amsterdam on how opera communicates across languages and whether music can be a universal language, and what that implies for accessibility.
Smooth Amsterdam
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 20:00
Spui25
An insightful lecture at Spui25 exploring how modern city life is curated into a consumable aesthetic. Through René Boer's ideas, the talk examines how Amsterdam's neighborhoods, cafés and vintage stores shape identities in the age of digital culture.
Tussen markt en volk: gemeenschappen en zingeving in een neoliberale wereld
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 20:00
Spui25
A thought-provoking lecture at Spui25 examines how populist revolts are reshaping a new world order in neoliberal times. It investigates where social unease comes from and what the 'new' order may mean for communities and meaning.
De limes als legende
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 20:00
Spui25
A thought-provoking lecture reimagining the limes as the legendary North European frontier—how Danube and Rhine mapped power, fame, and freedom across the early modern landscape, told with vivid case studies.
Bucketlist filosofie: Val Plumwood
Mon, 8 Jun 2026 at 20:00
De Rode Hoed
Join a lecture exploring the life and ecofeminist philosophy of Australian thinker Val Plumwood at De Rode Hoed in Amsterdam on June 8, 2026.
Het beste wat je met je geld kunt doen
Wed, 27 May 2026 at 17:00
Spui25
A Field Trip to the Cosmos
Sat, 4 Jul 2026 at 13:00
Paradiso
A field trip to the cosmos at Paradiso, inviting curious minds and daydreamers to explore space in an engaging, educational format.
Freek Vonk Live
Mon, 21 Dec 2026
AFAS Live
Freek Vonk Live at AFAS Live turns a lecture into a living science show, with roaring wildlife clips fearless zoology insights, and an amused astonished Amsterdam crowd.
Michael Pollan in Amsterdam: A World Appears
Wed, 24 Mar 2027 at 19:30
On Location: Rode Hoed, Keizersgracht 102, Amsterdam
John Adams Institute and Rode Hoed host Michael Pollan in Amsterdam for an evening discussion around his forthcoming book A World Appears. Pollan argues that mind and nature are inseparable, offering a thoughtful blend of science, philosophy, and personal reflection.
De symfonie van onvrede: de opmars van radicaal-rechts in Europa
Fri, 12 Mar 2027 at 20:00
Spui25
An intimate, analytical lecture tracing the rise of radical-right politics in Europe, weaving Catherine de Vries’ family history with years of research to show how societal shifts—from Dutch countryside to Southern Italy—fuel discontent and strategy.
De Republiek
Tue, 2 Mar 2027 at 14:00
De Balie
De Balie hosts the debate 'De Republiek', exploring the necessity of free, public debate in modern democracy. A sharp, policy-minded discussion in an intimate cultural venue in Amsterdam, inviting thinkers to challenge and defend public discourse.