Full bellies and smiling faces at Restaurant San Siro yesterday as MiCrop celebrates its 5 year existence, as well as the confirmation. A night filled with great food and drinks, reconnecting with old friends, sharing memories and stories, and goodbyes for some.

The party kicked off at 16.30 as the guests started arriving. Drinks were served as the consortium gradually assembled. People were chatting, laughing and drinking for about an hour until Harro grabbed everyone's attention and gave the floor to Julian. The latter prepared a presentation full of photos from the past 5 years that were sent in by the consortium. The presentation, which lasted about 25 minutes, took the crowd on a stroll down memory lane. Many people commented on the happenings and context of the pictures, with themes including dealing with the pandemic, working environments, meetings - in and outside of work, and social outreach.

Immediately after the presentation, everyone took their seat and the first entrees were served. Some slight chaos since most people did not remember exactly what they ordered, but in the end everyone did receive food that they could be happy with (and were they!). Throughout the entrees, main courses and desserts, the waiters/waitresses made sure that all glasses were filled with the most chic brands of wine and/or whatever else people wanted to drink. The dinner lasted until around 20.30 when a parting coffee and tea was served for a few last chats. In the coming hour, the guests were gradually leaving until most people had left at 21.30. A small delegation that had stayed until the end moved on to another bar in downtown Utrecht for the afterparty. In summary: it was a successful party that didn't really want to end.

But alas, for some people this was the last time. Although the MiCRop consortium will exist for another 5 years, it will not be in the same composition as last night with this PhD cohort graduating and moving on. MiCRop wishes these people good luck with finishing their PhD, and everyone an early happy Holiday period.