Moon Cakes, Bubble Tea and Breaking Down Hierarchies

On 30 September, the Hub Social Committee gave us a perfect reminder that building a strong research community doesn’t always happen in meetings or seminars. Sometimes, it happens over moon cakes and bubble tea on the University campus. 

The event celebrated the cultural diversity of our Hub and brought together staff, students and colleagues in a relaxed setting where lab coats, titles and organisational charts were very much optional. By stepping outside our usual hierarchical work environments, people had the chance to chat, laugh and get to know one another as humans first and researchers second. 

Fuelled by sugar, curiosity and good conversation, the afternoon highlighted how simple social moments can strengthen connections and spark collaboration. Huge thanks to the Hub Social Committee for creating a welcoming space that proved community building can be both meaningful and delicious.