What do intoxicated worms and more than a third of a million coin tosses have in common? They’ve both landed the UvA among the recipients of this year’s Ig Nobel prizes.

'My message to students: have no “fear of heights” with people in high positions. Never tell yourself that you can’t do something. Find out where your passion lies. You needn't necessarily stay in the field in which you graduate. The UvA provided, and still provides, all kinds of opportunities. It's hard work but make use of the chances that the UvA offers.'

Relying on the text of the Constitution alone does not always give a correct picture of the balance of power, according to Thomas Beukers. 'For example, the Dutch King has the power to sign laws, but in reality, this is a ceremonial function.'

Our planet will only remain able to provide even the most basic standard of living for everyone in the future if economic systems and technologies are dramatically transformed and critical resources are more fairly used, managed and shared, a new report shows.