The Saxony5 collaborative project promotes connections between people from different disciplines through a format created specifically for networking. After almost exactly three years, it was time again—a new edition of the “Cheese and Wine” networking event, first introduced in 2018, was on the agenda. We all know why there was such a long hiatus. But very few people know why it took place in Görlitz this time.

Because the people of Görlitz had requested it. Right after the first edition in the summer of 2018, we received feedback that such a casual opportunity to network within the HSZG would be welcome in Görlitz as well. Since the first Sunday of Advent had already passed, it had to be the Christmas edition.

“If I had more time for knowledge transfer, then…? ” We asked each other this and other questions that evening. Prof. Kollmorgen, the Prorector for Research and, in a dual role, Project Director of Saxony⁵ at the HSZG, warmly welcomed everyone. We were determined to foster mutual exchange and had therefore arranged for researchers to introduce themselves to one another in the form of 3-minute pitches. Six such pitches had been scheduled in advance, and two spontaneous ones were added. In between, there was a brief overview of the last five years of Saxony⁵ in the form of interviews. Afterward, the central—and perhaps the best—part began: with a small treat in hand, we could simply chat with one another.

As we take stock, we are pleased to note that not only were all of the university’s faculties and institutes represented on November 30, but we also had the pleasure of welcoming nearly equal numbers of colleagues from Zittau and Görlitz. In addition, we welcomed external guests from the ENO and the district administrator’s office. We are determined to continue this series of events during the second phase of the Saxony⁵ project as well. We are convinced that it is important for the people who work and conduct research in a wide variety of fields at the HSZG to get to know one another. Since the exchange between Zittau and Görlitz is particularly close to our hearts, we would simply ask that you take advantage of this opportunity whenever possible. Please promote it within your faculties as well—we believe it is good for the HSZG.