The Laboratory for Smart and Bioinspired Materials organized a spring outing to balance work and leisure and get close to nature

Beyond research, one also needs a balance between work and rest. On June 17, 2026, a very small number of students of the Laboratory for Smart and Bioinspired Materials used their spare time to spontaneously organize a mountain-climbing spring outing in the suburbs, pressing a "pause button" on the intense research rhythm.

On the day of the activity, everyone climbed up the mountain paths step by step, walking through sparse forests and green trees, breathing the fresh mountain air, and temporarily casting aside the fatigue of long days spent at the laboratory bench and microscope. Upon reaching the summit and looking far into the distance, with vast views all around and a relaxed, cheerful mood, the students took group photos to capture this pleasant, comfortable moment.

Unlike the state of each person burying their head in research in the laboratory, this spring outing gave everyone more opportunities for relaxed communication—chatting about hobbies beyond research and sharing interesting stories of daily life, gaining team rapport and friendship while climbing and laughing. At the same time, the climbing process itself was a good workout, allowing students who had long sat at their desks in experiments to stretch their muscles, strengthen their bodies, and build up more energy for subsequent research work.

The laboratory students said that while research work indeed requires focus and persistence, stepping out of the laboratory and getting close to nature in due time is also an indispensable part of maintaining physical and mental health and stimulating innovative inspiration. Everyone said: Next time we go climbing, be sure to call me! This spontaneously organized spring outing was exactly a vivid practice of the students seeking a balance between intensity and relaxation in their busy research lives.