A Christmas Potluck: Where Science Meets Spice
The Cell Wall Dynamics Lab at Umeå celebrated the winter holidays with a Christmas Potluck, where the team's global diversity came together through shared dishes. It was a moment to pause and appreciate the year's scientific journey—the setbacks, breakthroughs, and resilience—and to express gratitude for the teamwork that makes the lab thrive.
NEWS
Manju Maharjan
12/15/20251 min read


Christmas is here, and while the world is decking halls and jingling bells, our lab decided to celebrate in the most delicious way possible—a Christmas Potluck. It’s a celebration that goes beyond food. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the journey we’ve shared. Forget pipettes and petri dishes for a day; this time, the only experiments involve mixing flavors and testing the limits of our stomachs.
What makes this gathering truly magical is the diversity simmering in every dish. Our team is a global buffet of cultures, and the potluck is proof that food is the ultimate universal language. From traditional recipes passed down through generations to creative twists inspired by new experiences, these cuisines weave a tapestry of cultures, binding us together in the most delicious way possible.
But beyond the laughter and the food that awaits us, this celebration carries a deeper meaning. The year has been a rollercoaster of experiments, deadlines, and the occasional existential crisis over failed results. We’ve shared frustrations, breakthroughs, and countless cups of coffee that kept us going. Today, we pause to acknowledge that journey—the hardships we endured and the resilience that brought us here.
This potluck isn’t just about filling plates; it’s about filling hearts with gratitude and hope. Gratitude for the teamwork that makes even the toughest days bearable. Hope for the discoveries and opportunities that await us in the coming year.
So, here’s to good food, great company, and the joy of belonging to a team that knows how to celebrate life beyond the lab bench. Merry Christmas to all and may the next year be as rich and flavorful as today’s feast.




