22 March 2022

IPNL Team Gathering at Cheung Chau

In March 2022, the IPNL team set out for a day trip to Cheung Chau, one of Hong Kong’s beloved outlying islands. The group gathered at the Central ferry pier for the scenic voyage across Victoria Harbour, with the city skyline gradually giving way to open water and the green hills of the surrounding islands. The roughly 35-minute ferry ride itself provided a welcome change of pace from the usual lab environment, offering the team an opportunity to chat and unwind before arriving at the island’s crescent-shaped harbour.

Upon arrival, the team explored Cheung Chau’s charming waterfront promenade, lined with dried seafood shops and local eateries. The island, known for its relaxed atmosphere and car-free streets, made for an ideal setting to wander at a leisurely pace. Members of the group took in the coastal scenery along the island’s mini Great Wall trail, enjoying panoramic views of the South China Sea and the rocky shoreline below.

A highlight of the outing was a group lunch at one of the island’s seafood restaurants, where the team shared dishes and stories over a long table – a simple but meaningful way to strengthen connections beyond the research setting. The informal atmosphere allowed newer members to get to know their colleagues in a more relaxed context, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defines the lab.

The trip to Cheung Chau served as a reminder that strong research teams are built not only through shared academic goals but also through shared experiences outside the laboratory. The IPNL team returned to campus refreshed and with a renewed sense of camaraderie heading into the remainder of the spring semester.