The second annual Welcome Mixer for doctoral students of the Faculty of Science took place on October 31 in the faculty lobby and offered an opportunity to meet new faces and reconnect with familiar colleagues. Doctoral students from various fields and countries around the world were able to make initial contacts, talk about their studies and lives, and spend an evening together in a relaxed atmosphere. There was also plenty of refreshments – free beer, wine, soft drinks, savory snacks, and desserts – and an original musical performance by the band of Dean Prof. RNDr. František Váchy, Ph.D., Akia b.a., which played well-known rock hits in an energetic punk style.
The program was varied and offered games of all kinds: building a Jenga tower, a test of courage, a neurogastronomic experiment, a biological microcosm, and molecular structures. The teams had to work together, which was a great way to connect doctoral students across disciplines and cultures, and the winning group ultimately took home small prizes. Those who wanted to could also play beer pong or a natural science version of Dobble outside of the competition.
A total of around 50–60 people attended, and the whole evening confirmed that such events are worthwhile – they help build community, bring new and more experienced doctoral students together, and create space for informal meetings and collaboration.
