The new semester has begun and the first-year students started their studies this week. To help them get started, we provided the chemistry department with merchandise, which they distributed along with other practical items. We also BEAMed up the campus with our bicycle seat covers. Our mascot, Mr. BEAM the lion, was there too.

Last Thursday was the annual matriculation ceremony for all first-year students at the University of Halle. Our BEAM-PIs were also there. Prof. Dariush Hinderberger spoke on the living room stage on the topic of “Meet the Prof” – Personal Insights into Research and Teaching. Prof. Rebecca Waldecker spoke as a liaison professor about ways to finance your studies beyond BAföG, for example through scholarships.

On September 9, a volleyball tournament took place in which the members of our research groups competed against each other. In addition to friendly rivalry, they enjoyed a barbecue together and had a lot of fun.