I look forward to the Avond van de Chemie (Evening of Chemistry) every year. This time it took place in Nijmegen, my old university town. It felt like coming home, with familiar faces everywhere. The KNCV organises this event to bring together the Dutch chemistry community, showcase young and established talent, and of course provide an opportunity to socialise and network. It’s a combination of a symposium and a theatre show, with a strong focus on content but also room for personality and humour. The speakers this year were once again impressive, offering insights that you don’t often hear at a standard symposium.

Yet that is not what makes the evening special for me. What I like best is the awkwardness. Scientists in a theatre setting remains a delightful clash of worlds. People leave the stage in the wrong direction, aren’t used to professional theatre technicians, feel uncomfortable about whether or not to shake hands, and clap without any sense of rhythm. And I say all this in love: it is precisely this awkwardness that makes the evening so sincere. We are not professional performers, but enthusiastic scientists who want to share something beautiful. This year, I experienced it first-hand with the yearly comedy show, where I became part of the collective cringe – and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Next year, it’s Groningen’s turn. It’s a long drive, but I’ll have Ben there.