On Saturday, May 24, the Goethe Research Academy for Early Career Researchers (GRADE) invited doctoral candidates and postdocs from Goethe University, TU Darmstadt and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz for another RMU social networking event that blended nature, knowledge, and networking in an inspiring setting: the MainÄppelHaus Lohrberg Streuobstzentrum e.V., nestled in Frankfurt’s green Lohrberg.

A Walk Through the Orchard – and Into Conversation

The day began with a short walk through blooming apple groves, offering participants a first chance to connect informally. The destination was the MainÄppelHaus, a local center for traditional orchard cultivation and environmental education, located in a park that has been cherished by locals for a century.

On site, the group was warmly welcomed by a team member of the MainÄppelHaus, who delivered a humorous and engaging introduction to the history of the association and the Lohrpark. She also shared personal insights into regional culture – from the tradition of Vereinswesen (club culture) to the impressive scale of apple cider consumption in the region (over 30 million liters per year!). Anecdotes from her time abroad added an international touch, drawing smiles and surprise from many – especially one attendee from China who just learned about the “Mao suit” trend of the 1980s.

From Soap to Science: Sparking Interdisciplinary Exchange

The core of the afternoon was a hands-on workshop conducted in English: participants learned how to make their own herbal soaps using wildflowers and essential oils. The session introduced the basics of natural skincare, sustainable materials, and the cultural roots of herbal medicine – all while allowing for plenty of creative exploration. This shared creative activity turned out to be a great conversation starter, creating a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere in which research interests also began to surface organically.

Throughout the afternoon, the conversations flowed — not only about herbal soap, German “Vereinswesen”, and “Schrebergärten”, but also about the participants’ ongoing research. A particularly rewarding outcome: a collaboration in the field of bioprinting has now taken shape, sparked by connections made at the previous RMU Social Event. Doctoral researchers from Niederrad and Riedberg campuses are now in active exchange, working together across institutional lines.
These kinds of spontaneous connections across disciplines and universities are exactly what this initiative aims to support.

A View to Remember – and a Toast to New Ideas

Following the workshop, a walk through the expansive orchard meadows led the group back toward Lohrpark. Despite the overcast sky, the view briefly opened up to reveal the Frankfurt skyline. Along the way, participants gained insights into the architectural ideals and urban planning of the „New Frankfurt“ movement of the 1920s, brought to life by their guide. The day concluded with a relaxed get-together at a traditional apple cider tavern in Seckbach, where, over hearty local fare, the exchange continued — with laughter, new ideas, and plans for future collaborations.

Building Bridges in the Rhine-Main Research Region

This event was part of the RMU Social Networking Events of the Rhine-Main Universities, which aims to foster meaningful exchange among doctoral researchers and postdocs across institutions and disciplines. With a mix of professional insight and informal atmosphere, the day created space for both inspiration and collaboration — and showed how valuable it can be to step outside the lab or library once in a while.

Text: Goethe Research Academy for Early Career Researchers (GRADE)