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Every Tuesday, early-career international researchers come together to share a meal. Rose Francis-Binder (back row, 2nd from left) and Dr. Lola Bulut (back row, 4th from right) are delighted that the initiative has been so warmly received. Photo: © Aalen University of Applied Sciences | Saskia Stüven-Kazi

At Aalen University of Applied Sciences, international early-career researchers meet every Tuesday for a shared lunch at the “Drop-in Lunch.” During these gatherings, participants exchange ideas about their research, share personal experiences, or discuss plans for the upcoming weekend. Often, a surprise guest joins them to provide insight into a specific topic.

The initiative is organized by Embrace, the central service center for international researchers at Aalen University. “Our goal is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome,” says project coordinator Dr. Lola Bulut, adding with a smile, “And what better way to achieve that than over a shared lunch break? Food connects people across cultural boundaries.”

A Short Break from the Seriousness of the Laboratory

It is shortly after noon. On the first floor of the WIN Building at Aalen University of Applied Sciences, a long table has been set up. Next to it, a small trolley offers coffee, tea, water, and biscuits. Ester Hamatwi has just come from the Laboratory for Power Electronics and Electrical Drives and is unpacking her lunch — a Namibian stew with potatoes.

In her home country, the electrical engineer teaches and conducts research at the University of Namibia in the field of sustainable energy solutions and rural electrification. “With my research, I want to help drive the energy transition in Africa,” says the 32-year-old, who came to Aalen in September to pursue her postdoctoral studies. She is currently working on modeling hybrid renewable energy systems that integrate photovoltaics, wind energy, and battery storage.

“It’s wonderful to meet other researchers at the Drop-in Lunch and gain new perspectives. Especially when you’re still new here, this great initiative helps you feel included rather than isolated,” says Hamatwi. Smiling, she adds, “And it takes me away from the seriousness of the lab for a while.”

“Non-Researchers” Are Also Warmly Welcome

As an informal lunchtime gathering, the “Drop-in Lunch” is designed especially for international researchers — a place where they can ask questions, obtain information, practice a bit of German, or simply relax over lunch. However, non-researchers are also warmly invited to join in, make new connections, and meet the people who shape research at Aalen University of Applied Sciences. Everyone brings along their own meal — and their own story.

“Sharing a meal naturally leads to conversation, even about everyday topics,” says Dr. Lola Bulut, who coordinates the Embrace project. As a central service center, Embrace supports international researchers before, during, and after their stay in Aalen, offering both practical and personal assistance. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).

“When We Talk to Each Other, We Are No Longer Strangers”

“When we talk to each other, we are no longer strangers. We want our ‘internationals’ — whether researchers or students — to feel at home with us,” emphasizes Rose Francis-Binder from the International Center at Aalen University of Applied Sciences.

Over the past few years, the university has therefore developed a comprehensive range of services to help internationals quickly integrate into the university, the local academic culture, society, and the professional environment. One of the many initiatives is the Drop-in Lunch, which brings together a wide variety of topics. Conversations range from research focuses and personal journeys from home to Aalen University to favorite films and joint plans for a weekend trip to Munich.

A Vibrant Mosaic of Engaging Conversations 

Take, for instance, Fatemeh Nobakht, who comes from Tehran and has been living in Aalen for a year. The 30-year-old is currently pursuing her research master’s degree in Advanced Materials and Manufacturing. “It’s inspiring to talk with others. The familiar atmosphere makes you feel that you’re not alone. It’s like a vibrant mosaic of interesting and joyful conversations,” she says.

Another highlight, she adds, is that each lunch features a surprise guest. “There’s always someone from the region who provides fascinating insights into a particular topic or shares personal experiences — connecting the internationals with the local community and the ‘German way of life,’” explains Francis-Binder.

Previous guests have included a politician, a person living with multiple sclerosis, and a librarian — leading to lively discussions about democracy, life in a wheelchair, and the latest technologies in source research.

Engagement in the Family Program

This Tuesday, a special guest pays a visit: Gabriele Köder-Weiss is no stranger at Aalen University, having been actively involved for many years in the Family Program, where sponsors support international students outside the academic setting and help them integrate into everyday life in Germany.

Today, however, the 61-year-old is attending the Drop-in Lunch in her role as Head of Digital Services at Audi Planung GmbH — a wholly owned subsidiary of Audi AG with 50 employees. Köder-Weiss speaks animatedly about her professional journey: from a draftswoman to further studies in business informatics, followed by work as a freelance programmer, and finally to her current position at Audi Planung GmbH. The Audi subsidiary specializes in the planning of plants and manufacturing facilities, optimizing production processes, and digitalization projects in factory structure planning.

Next Tuesday Again: Hearing New Stories, Making New Plans

“I’m a good example of the diversity of educational paths in Germany,” says the dynamic woman, laughing joyfully. Before long, the table discussion with the Digital Services team has turned to the topic of artificial intelligence. The researchers engage in a lively conversation about the rapid development of this emerging technology.

Bhavesh Kothari joins in with interest. Originally from India, he has been living in Germany for three years, having completed his Master’s in Electrical Engineering at the University of Stuttgart. Since March, he has been pursuing a Master’s in Applied Photonics at Aalen University, with plans to continue on to a PhD. “Research is my thing,” says the 25-year-old with a grin.

He describes the Drop-in Lunch as simply fantastic: “So many interesting people come here. Every country has its own way of thinking. These different perspectives are incredibly enriching.”

As the meeting draws to a close, one thing is certain: next Tuesday, they will gather again — to hear new stories and make new plans.