Foodfestival

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, when it was no longer possible to meet in person on campus, our research group found a creative way to stay connected: we launched a weekly online gathering centered around cooking: the Remmers’ group foodfestival. Each week, one group member would present a recipe that should be prepared by the other members. In the following meeting, we would discuss the dish, share photos, give feedback, and suggest variations or improvements. The session always ended with the announcement of a new recipe for the upcoming week, giving everyone something to look forward to and a reason to spend time in the kitchen.

What started as a fun distraction soon grew into something more meaningful. The meetings became a cherished moment of social connection during a time of isolation. While recipes were the formal reason for gathering, many other topics came up in our conversations —ranging from life under lockdown and academic challenges to music, sports, and funny stories from home. These informal chats helped strengthen the bonds within our team and brought a sense of normality in an otherwise distant period.

In 2022, after the lockdowns had ended, we looked back on these meetings with fondness and decided to preserve the experience in a tangible way. We collected all the recipes, photos, and stories shared during those sessions and compiled them into a cookbook. This book is more than just a collection of dishes—it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and community spirit. Today, it serves as a unique and personal gift, given exclusively to those who complete their PhD within our group. It reminds us not only of the food we cooked, but of the connection and support we shared during one of the most unusual periods of our lives.