Leiden University is one of the oldest in Europe. It dates to 1585. The pomp and circumstance that surrounds the public defense of a PhD thesis is impressive even today. The observed formalities include a strict dress code, a long black velvet gown only for professors, required forms of address (“Dear Mrs. Candidate” or “Dear Mrs. Opponent”), and an exactly 45 minute long examination period. Previously, when I examined other Ph.D. candidates in Leiden, we used the Great Auditorium, an impressively large former church. Today we used the Senate Room, a smaller room filled with centuries-old portraits of Leiden professors. The photos show the Ph.D. candidate, Marie-Louise (in a blue dress and black jacket) awaiting the inquisition! The book seen on the table is her written thesis. She was surrounded by her two labmates, who can act as a sort of “phone a friend” if the candidiate has a brief brain freeze. Marie-Louise did not have any problems; in fact, many professors remarked upon what a terrific job she did. The top photo shows the successful candidate with a big smile, holding her degree. After the ceremony we took a boat ride through the canals of Leiden to the restaurant where we dined and celebrated.
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