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TU Delft – 184e Dies Natalis 2026

One of the biggest recurring projects is the Dies Natalis, the annual birthday celebration of the University. NewMedia Centre develops a programme for the show in accordance with the Corporate Communications and Events departments. Where the Opening Academic Year has a more abstract approach, the Dies Natalis focuses on a different topic every year, highlighting specific research and building a theme around this topic.

In 2026, we say farewell to Rector Magnificus Tim van der Hagen and look back on his years as Rector Magnificus. We also welcome our new Rector Magnificus Hester Bijl with a festive show.

This year’s programme contained a lot of formal speeches and ceremonies, so our job was to bring some energy to the programme. We did this by weaving a tango dance act throughout the show and designing a flexible stage decor that can change colours instantly.

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VR robot

Supermarket Robot: Designing Socially Embedded Service Robots in Virtual Reality

June 30, 2025

What happens when a robot helps you shop? This question shaped a groundbreaking project led by Dr. Marco Rozendaal, where VR simulations in a supermarket explored how people and robots interact in public spaces. By blending design, theatre, and puppeteering, the research revealed how robots can earn trust and acceptance—not through perfect programming, but by designing behaviors that feel meaningful and socially appropriate.

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AI in Hiring – Can a Machine Pick the Right Candidate?

June 10, 2025

What if an algorithm decided whether you got the job—even before a human saw your name? AI-driven hiring assessments, now widespread, make implicit assumptions about skills, behavior, and communication that may not match individual realities. By reducing complex narratives to data points, these systems strip applicants of autonomy over their identity and undermine dignity. An interdisciplinary study from TU Delft, University of Twente, and TU Eindhoven inspired a four-minute animated video, making these findings accessible and prompting reflection on AI’s impact in recruitment.

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