Natural science scavenger hunt through Tübingen
IGIM scavenger hunt through Tübingen: team spirit, microbial knowledge and culinary diversity
On 5 September 2025, doctoral students from the IGIM Graduate School enjoyed a special day: a scavenger hunt through Tübingen's picturesque old town combined scientific expertise, teamwork and lots of fun. The event impressively demonstrated how lively and connected our IGIM community is.
On the trail of history and microbiology
In teams of three to four, the doctoral students set off on an exciting rally with tricky tasks waiting for them at various stations. The challenges ranged from questions about Tübingen's city history to demanding puzzles from micro- and molecular biology. Not only specialist knowledge and speed were required, but also creative thinking and good teamwork.
First place went to the team consisting of doctoral students Nora Zizelmann, Nicolas Görge, Lukas Schulze and Armin Nourifar. They were the first group to reach the Morgenstelle university campus, where they obtained the coveted signature of the legendary – and notoriously elusive – Professor Hidden. The four were rewarded for their victory with prizes provided by the CMFI: ‘Microbes Matter’ tote bags, a bottle of Tübingen wine, cuddly plush microbes, iron-on patches and stickers. A worthy reward for teamwork and microbiological expertise!
Team CFU (Cool Fun Unit): Juliana Geromiller, Nadine Oder, Janna Becker (f.l.t.r) © Janna Becker
Team Search Detectives: Gisela Bauer-Haffter, Katharina Wesner, Alina Zinser (f.l.t.r) © Katharina Wesner
Team Taskforce: Ann-Kathrin Kuwertz, Teresa Müller, Sarah Trenz (f.l.t.r) © Ann-Kathrin Kuwertz
The winning team: Lukas Schulze Armin Nourifar, Nicolas Görge und Nora Zizelmann (f.l.t.r.) © Lukas Schulze
International Food Day: Diversity on your plate
After the action-packed scavenger hunt, the day continued with culinary delights and relaxation. On International Food Day, participants transformed their home kitchens into a colourful international buffet. Homemade specialities from around the world provided culinary delights and topics of conversation. The afternoon ended in a relaxed atmosphere with cool drinks – the perfect opportunity to get to know colleagues from other working groups better and exchange ideas about current research projects.
More than just an event
The event clearly demonstrated what IGIM stands for: an active graduate school that not only supports its doctoral students academically, but also promotes cohesion and interdisciplinary exchange. Whether it's tricky microbiology puzzles in the old town or eating together, experiences like these strengthen the network within the graduate school and create space for new perspectives on one's own research.
We are already looking forward to the next opportunity to bring our IGIM community together again!
Text: Justine Camus, Fabian Smollich and Katharina Tillmanns
Teaser Image © GeoJango Maps at Unsplash
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Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str. 6
72076 Tübingen
Phone: +49 7071 29 81516
E-Mail: tuebingen.igim
@med.uni-tuebingen.de
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Leon Kokkoliadis
Public Relations Management
Tel: +49 7071 29-74707 / +49 152 346 79 269
leon.kokkoliadis@uni-tuebingen.de
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
Nature