Together you are less alone: At Aalen University of Applied Sciences' "Drop-in Lunch", international early career researchers meet every Tuesday over lunch and talk about their research, their experiences or their next weekend trip. A surprise guest often drops by to give an insight into a specific topic. The whole thing is organized by "Embrace", the central Service Center for international researchers at Aalen University of Applied Sciences. "We want to create an open and inclusive environment in which everyone feels welcome," says project coordinator Dr. Lola Bulut, adding cheerfully: "And where better to do that than at a shared lunch break? Food brings people together across cultural boundaries."
A little break from the seriousness of the laboratory / lab
It's just after twelve o'clock. A long row of tables has been set up on the second floor of the WIN building at Aalen University of Applied Sciences. Next to it is a small trolley with coffee, tea, water and cookies. Ester Hamatwi has just come from the Power Electronics and Electrical Drives laboratory / lab 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 drive forward the energy transition in Africa," says the 32-year-old, who came to Aalen in September for her postdoctoral studies. She is currently working on modeling hybrid renewable energies that integrate photovoltaics, wind energy and battery storage systems. "It's great to meet other researchers at the drop-in lunch and experience new perspectives. Especially if you haven't been there long, this great offer makes you feel involved and not isolated," says Hamatwi. Smiling, the young woman adds: "And it takes me away from the seriousness of the laboratory / lab."
"Non-researchers" are also welcome
As an informal lunch meeting, the "Drop-in Lunch" is aimed specifically at international researchers - as a place where they can ask questions, gather information, practise a little German or simply relax over lunch. But "non-researchers" are also welcome to take part, make contacts and get to know the people who shape research at Aalen University of Applied Sciences. Everyone brings their own food - and their own history. "While eating together, you get into conversation, even about everyday things," says Dr. Lola Bulut, who coordinates the Embrace project. As a central service Center, Embrace accompanies international researchers before, during and after their stay in Aalen and provides them with advice and support. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).
"When we talk to each other, we are none of us strangers"
"When we talk to each other, we are none of us strangers. We want our 'internationals' - be they researchers or students - to feel at home here," emphasizes Rose Francis-Binder from the International Center at Aalen University of Applied Sciences. This is why a comprehensive service package has been developed in recent years to quickly integrate internationals into the institution of higher education, the local academic culture, society and the working environment. One of the many offers is the drop-in lunch, which combines a wide variety of topics. The conversations range from research focuses and their own path from home to Aalen University of Applied Sciences to favorite films and joint plans for a city trip to Munich.
A lively mosaic of interesting conversations
There is Fatemeh Nobakht, for example, who comes from Tehran and has been living in Aalen for a year. The 30-year-old is currently doing a research master's degree in Advanced Materials and Manufacturing. "It's inspiring to talk to the others. The informal atmosphere means you don't feel alone. It's like a lively mosaic of interesting and cheerful conversations." It's also great that there is always a surprise guest at lunch. "There is always someone from the region who gives an exciting insight into a particular topic or talks about their life - and thus connects the 'internationals' with the local community and the 'German way of life'," says Francis-Binder, explaining the concept. For example, a politician, a person suffering from multiple sclerosis and a librarian have already visited, leading to lively discussions about democracy, life in a wheelchair and the latest technologies for source research.
Involvement in the family sponsorship program
This Tuesday, a surprise guest is dropping by: Gabriele Köder-Weiss is none unknown at Aalen University of Applied Sciences, as she has been involved in the family sponsorship program for many years, where sponsors look after international students outside of the "academic setting" and help them integrate into everyday life in Germany. Today, however, the 61-year-old has come to the drop-in lunch with 50 staff in her role as Head /Director of Digital Services at Audi Planung GmbH (a wholly owned subsidiary of Audi AG). Köder-Weiss gave a lively account of her personal background: from architectural draughtswoman to further education as a business IT specialist and subsequent work as a freelance programmer to her current position at Audi Planung GmbH. The Audi AG subsidiary specializes in the planning of attachments and production facilities, the optimization of production processes and digitalization projects in the field (of) factory structure planning.
Next Tuesday again, hear new histories, make new plans
"I'm a good example of the diversity of educational paths in Germany," says the dynamic woman and laughs cheerfully. And in no time at all, the "Digital Services" table has moved on to the topic of artificial intelligence. The researchers talk animatedly about the rapid development of the new technology. Bhavesh Kothari also joins in the conversation with interest. Born in India, he has been living in Germany for three years, where he initially completed his masters in electrical engineering at the University of Stuttgart. Since March, he has been doing his Masters in Applied Photonics at Aalen University of Applied Sciences. He would then like to do a doctorate, to complete doctoral studies. "Research is my thing," says the 25-year-old with a grin. The drop-in lunch is simply great: "Lots of interesting people come here. Every country has its own way of thinking. These different insights are very enriching." At the end of the meeting, the promise remains: Next Tuesday again, hear new histories, make new plans.
