Pre-eminent learned society · The Netherlands

De Gekkos

We convene with the utmost solemnity to discuss science-like matters, and maintain minutes that are longer than strictly necessary. Black tie is discouraged only because it would imply the evening might end.

Programmes & reminiscences Statutes (abridged)

Mission & scope

Rigorous informality of content

Contributions shall resemble scholarship in layout, citation style, and interval coffee breaks. Factual correspondence with reality remains commendable but is not a condition of acceptance.

Geographic gravitas

We rotate among Dutch cities so that each may briefly claim to have hosted the nation's most punctilious assembly of pedants and well-meaning charlatans.

Ethical theatre

Conflicts of interest are declared aloud; the chair then thanks everyone for transparency and proceeds exactly as before. Applause is contractually obligated.

Forthcoming & recent events

Programme pages list schedules, dress codes (where regrettably applicable), and whether facts will be checked. Spoiler: usually not. Each event page also notes whether refreshments are obligatory, ceremonial, or merely encouraged, and whether you are expected to bring a peer reviewer, a plus-one, or simply an open mind and a closed mouth during the boring bits.

  • Groningen

    The 1st Nonsense Conference of the Dunces

    The inaugural Nonsense Conference is a non-profit evening in Groningen for short talks, improbable subjects, and networking: a place to try out ideas that need not hold up in daylight. De Gekkos hosts it in the spirit of absurdity welcomed in all forms. Open call: keynotes (10 minutes + 5 minutes Q&A) and networking activities. Apply by 1 March 2026 to present a topic or join a panel discussion. Speakers are granted free access; other participants are asked to bring a light refreshment. Dinner will be provided. Dress code: formal buffoonery.

    Invitation & programme

Institution & organisers

De Gekkos is incorporated in the Netherlands; the Nonsense Conference of the Dunces is its principal non-profit undertaking. Contributions toward nonsense are welcome, and gratitude is calibrated with care. Generous patrons are named in the proceedings; the merely frugal receive a courteous nod and a biscuit from the upper tray; the tight-fisted receive the same nod, but the biscuit may be one grade smaller at the next general assembly.

  • Hyunsuh Kim

    Event organiser

    Degenerate member (write your own bio) · De Gekkos

  • Janina Ryymin

    Moderator

    Degenerate member (write your own bio) · De Gekkos

  • Tessa Zonneveld

    Scribe

    Degenerate member (write your own bio) · De Gekkos

  • Berke "Universiteit" Filiz

    Human

    No idea who this is, but allegedly they are a member of De Gekkos

Proceedings & communications

De Gekkos Proceedings prints whatever the programme committee can defend with a straight face after coffee. The society bulletin circulates news, retractions of news, and gentle threats regarding citation format.

  • Proceedings: a bound record of the 1st Nonsense Conference of the Dunces (2026) is in preparation, pending someone brave enough to tame the footnote herd. A catalogue number exists in principle, but who cares?
  • Bulletin: lost-and-found for abandoned theories, congratulations to fields that have merged without scandal, and standing notices about the cloakroom that everyone pretends to have read.

Membership

Ordinary membership is open to anyone who can supply two signatures, one of which may be their own left hand and the other one is encouraged to be of the same species. Doctoral degrees are admired but not required, while a willingness to pronounce Latin with confidence is sufficient unless it makes our table levitate. Student members receive an extra biscuit at coffee breaks if they bring their own.

Secretariat

The secretariat does not maintain a hotline, a chat widget, or a sense of urgency. Letters are preferred; they stack neatly and provide fuel for our heater in these challenging times. Each item is logged, assigned a reference number of intimidating length, and circulated among persons who may or may not be the right persons. When a definitive answer is ready, it will reach you by the same dignified route, unless the matter has been overtaken by events, weather, or a motion to adjourn early. (There is no such thing as a motion to adjourn early.)

De Gekkos
Some address here
Postbus 1000 AA
1000 AB Amsterdam
The Netherlands

Telephone Invented by Graham Bell

Electronic mail Email here

Chamber of Commerce (We're not sure what this is)

Tax status We are of public benefit. The public has not been informed.