Photo competition "Memories, that last" 2025

Isabell Zerfuss:

There are moments that become deeply engraved in us without us consciously holding on to them. They leave something lasting, difficult to put into words, but forever within us. An image that still shines in our minds after a long time, a moment that stays with us forever. My photo shows such a moment, captured on a cool October morning on a Rhode Island beach.

My semester abroad took me to the smallest state in the USA: Rhode Island, the "Ocean State". The University of Rhode Island is just a few minutes away from the wild beaches of the Atlantic coast. I have many memories of this place that have touched my heart and mind.

October morning in Rhode Island...

It was still dark when we made our way to the beach at five o'clock in the morning. The moon shrouded everything in a soft light. We had breakfast together in the open boot of the cars in the car park right on the beach. The sun had not yet risen, but in the quiet stillness we began to sense something. There was a certain tension in the air. It was the anticipation of a moment, the waiting for what was to come. A premonition of something special.

It was still dark when my friends took their boards out into the waves. I stood on land, surrounded by silence, watching the expectant surfers. As the light came, so did the first stronger waves and I pressed the shutter. The moment was as fleeting as the spray turned to golden dust by the first sunlight. The spray that glows in the morning light and then melts away again, just like the moment that glows and then collapses again. And yet it remains.

For me, the surfer's wait for the perfect wave not only shows the desire for movement, but is also a symbol of waiting for life itself. For unique moments that shape us and allow us to grow. Memories are not created when we are constantly rushing from one event to the next, but when we prepare for the moment and are ready to receive it whenever it comes.

For me, my painting is a symbol of what remains within us, even when the moment has passed. The golden light that illuminates the spray, makes the sky glow, dips into the waves and lays gently over the dark sand. It is a memory that continues to radiate within. It is a symbol of the quiet moments of waiting and pausing, in which something grows. Memories that remain, that illuminate the ordinary out of the darkness like rays of sunlight and are washed up on our hearts again and again like waves on the beach.

Niklas Urban:

This photo represents an adventure that I will probably never forget. It was taken in the Pyrenees near Porte-Puymorens, at an altitude of around 2400 metres, in a place that we liked at first sight. Together with three friends from Germany and a Belgian Slovakian, travelling in my best friend's Defender from Toulouse, we spent three nights there in the open air. The sunset, which unfolded above the clouds and between the snow-covered peaks, seemed almost surreal and reminded us how small and at the same time alive you can feel in the midst of nature.

At night, we lay in our tents, the car swayed slightly in the wind - and above us stretched a clear starry sky, the likes of which I have rarely seen before. The Milky Way, sparkling and wide, made us silent. This moment, lying under thousands of stars, in complete darkness and far away from any civilisation, is deeply engraved in my memory. But the beauty of the landscape was only one part of this unforgettable journey. What made the experience truly unforgettable were all the little and big stories that went with it: a drone crash at night that forced us to search in the dark; mysterious animal noises around our car, maybe wild boar, maybe even a bear, strong winds that made our roof tent sway, freezing cold and, last but not least, the surprise of horrendous roaming charges in Andorra. And yet, or perhaps precisely because of this, every moment felt intense. The home-cooked dinners, overcoming small challenges together and the great conversations while playing cards. All of this made this picture more than just a beautiful shot for me. It is a lasting memory of freedom, friendship and the feeling of being completely in the here and now for a brief moment.
For me, my picture is a symbol of what remains in us, even when the moment has passed. The golden light that illuminates the spray, makes the sky glow, dips into the waves and lays gently over the dark sand. It is a memory that continues to radiate within. It is a symbol of the quiet moments of waiting and pausing, in which something grows. Memories that remain, that illuminate the ordinary out of the darkness like rays of sunlight and are washed up on our hearts again and again like waves on the beach.

Lea Lusznat:

I chose this photo because for me it symbolises a time that had a lasting impact on me. It reminds me of the peaceful, early morning hours in Australia, moments of tranquillity, wonder and deep connection with nature. It's moments like these that stay with me long after the daily grind has moved on.

The kangaroo in the photo symbolises much of what I have come to love about Australia's east coast: the unique flora and fauna, the serenity, the vastness of the landscape and the special atmosphere at sunrise. This encounter was not only special for me because I was able to experience a wild kangaroo at such a close distance, but also because it was part of a morning routine that I quickly learnt to appreciate there: getting up early, getting out into nature, being active and consciously perceiving the light of the new day.

For me, the kangaroos have become a symbol of lightness, of the unexpected, of all the little experiences that become deeply engraved in my memory. I already know that I will miss them. This photo reminds me of just such moments: it captures not just an animal in the morning sun, but a feeling. The feeling of being in the right place at the right time. It is a personal memory that stays with me.

For me, my picture is a symbol of what remains in us, even when the moment has passed. The golden light that illuminates the spray, makes the sky glow, dips into the waves and lays gently over the dark sand. It is a memory that continues to radiate within. It is a symbol of the quiet moments of waiting and pausing, in which something grows. Memories that remain, that illuminate the ordinary out of the darkness like rays of sunlight and are washed up on our hearts again and again like waves on the beach.

Julia Meyer:

"Come here, hurry up! You have to see this!" Andréa, who had already reached the top of the mountain and could see the other side, called me something like that. I quickly trudged after her and the others for the last few metres, not knowing what to expect at the top. When I finally arrived, I saw what she wanted to show me: a rainbow. And it wasn't just any old rainbow, like the ones we'd often seen from the car over the last few days. It was complete with a beginning and an end. We at the top of the mountain. We reached our destination with a wonderful view of the mountains, beaches and the vast sea. I found the view with the rainbow a real reward and it made me forget all about the annoying drizzle and the muddy path. After capturing the moment in a photo, I just stood there with a smile on my face, looking into the distance and thinking to myself that experiencing this together with friends you've only just met is simply amazing. A feeling of gratitude and deep joy spread through me.

I can still remember that unsteady September day during my trip to Lofoten quite well, and whenever I look at the photo, the same feelings come up as they did back then. It was an unforgettable day - two summit ascents, drizzle, sunshine, swimming in the freezing cold Atlantic Ocean, white sandy beach, and the best cinnamon buns in the world. When I think back, I am deeply sad that the trip was so long ago and that my semester abroad with the friends I made there is over, and at the same time I am infinitely happy to have been there, to have gained all the experiences and to be able to keep the memories of it forever.
For me, my picture is a symbol of what remains in us, even when the moment is over. The golden light that illuminates the spray, makes the sky glow, dips into the waves and lays gently over the dark sand. It is a memory that continues to radiate within. It is a symbol of the quiet moments of waiting and pausing, in which something grows. Memories that remain, that illuminate the ordinary out of the darkness like rays of sunlight and are washed up on our hearts again and again like waves on the beach.

Jasper Timme:

I submitted this picture for the photo competition because it shows a moment that for me is one of the most impressive and vivid memories of my semester abroad in Hungary. The photo was taken in February during the Busójárás in Mohács, a traditional festival in Hungary where disguised figures, the so-called Busós, are supposed to drive away winter and evil spirits.

The masked Busós, who parade through the streets in terrifying wooden masks and sheepskins, drumming and dancing, create an atmosphere that oscillates between fear and fascination. During the day, people gather, there is music, traditional food, parades and folk dances. The highlight is the big bonfire in the evening, where a straw puppet symbolising winter is burnt.

My photo shows exactly this moment: the flames engulf the straw doll, sparks fly into the dark sky, while people dance around the fire singing and laughing - a sign that winter has been defeated and spring will soon arrive.

For me, "Memories that last" means that I experienced this custom with all my senses: the crackling of the flames, the smell of smoke, the drumming of the busós and the laughter of the people. The photo captures these impressions and reminds me that this festival was one of the first experiences of my Erasmus semester.
For me, my picture is a symbol of what remains in us, even when the moment is over. The golden light that illuminates the spray, makes the sky glow, dips into the waves and lays gently over the dark sand. It is a memory that continues to radiate within. It is a symbol of the quiet moments of waiting and pausing, in which something grows. Memories that remain, that illuminate the ordinary out of the darkness like rays of sunlight and are washed up on our hearts again and again like waves on the beach.

Jan-Angelus Meyer: 

A trip that was more than just academic training - participating in the EuroMBR Summer School in Catanzaro (Calabria, Italy) was an unforgettable mix of science, intercultural exchange and breathtaking scenery.

During intensive courses and workshops, we analysed, discussed and experimented with modern methods of bioprocess development using microbioreactors. The days were filled with new knowledge, inspiring conversations and many hours in the colourless laboratory. But after the intensive scientific sessions, another highlight awaited us: the breathtaking Mediterranean coast of Calabria!

This photo captures one of those special moments - the bright blue of the sea, the steep cliffs of Tropea that merge seamlessly into the medieval walls and the warm Mediterranean breeze that sweeps across the sandy beach through the palm trees.

It reminds me that science does not only take place in the laboratory, but is also enriched by shared experiences, excursions, cultural exchange and new perspectives.

The competition title "Memories that last" could not be more fitting: This trip not only broadened my professional horizons, but also left me with deep impressions - new friendships, unforgettable sunsets and the certainty that learning new things and experiencing them go hand in hand.
For me, my picture is a symbol of what remains in us, even when the moment has passed. The golden light that illuminates the spray, makes the sky glow, dips into the waves and lays gently over the dark sand. It is a memory that continues to radiate within. It is a symbol of the quiet moments of waiting and pausing, in which something grows. Memories that remain, that illuminate the ordinary out of the darkness like rays of sunlight and are washed up on our hearts again and again like waves on the beach.

Tobias Langmann: 

Popocatépetl - an active stratovolcano over 5400 metres high near the megacity of Mexico City. In January 2025, we had the great opportunity to visit Mexico City for a project meeting with colleagues from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). The project "Validation of precipitation reanalysis products for rainfall-runoff modelling in Mexico" aims, among other things, to evaluate global simulations of the atmosphere and their suitability for reconstructing precipitation events in Mexico over the past decades in order to improve the necessary water management data basis.

During our visit to Mexico, we had the opportunity to go on an excursion to the impressive Popocatépetl.  A wonderful hike from Paso de Cortes took us up to 4,200 metres above sea level through the pine forests and the impressive grasslands above the tree line (Zacatonal) to the foot of the neighbouring volcano Iztaccíhuatl ("sleeping woman"). During the day, in keeping with our research project, we were able to observe how dynamic the atmosphere is in the area of such high mountains, as mighty clouds developed over the volcano and the activity of the mighty volcano also increased significantly. The photo was taken in the afternoon and shows the spectacular moment when Popocatépetl covered itself in clouds and at the same time emitted large quantities of smoke and ash, which developed into a long grey plume of smoke in the atmosphere with the high-altitude wind. The hike in the national park was a real highlight and made the visit an impressive and educational experience that we will not soon forget!

Jessica Lüders: 

The submitted photo was taken on my first city tour through the picturesque Barrio del Carmen neighbourhood. For me, it combines four special memories that I was able to take with me from Valencia:

The first thing that catches my eye is the ornate tiles that unusually adorn the balconies from below - something I had never seen before. According to our city guide, this ceramic decoration was traditionally seen as a sign of wealth: a glance upwards from the street was enough to realise that wealthy people lived here. I think the balconies are still beautiful to look at today!

If you look a little closer, you can also recognise the outlines of swallows in the tiles. These swallows actually accompanied me during my stay in Valencia, as they adorn many walls and shops there as a sign of loyalty and love. I found this loving decoration so beautiful that a little ceramic swallow even travelled back to Braunschweig with me.

If you look further up towards the sky in the photo, it feels as if the Valencian sun is literally shining on your face. The sun and the warmth on my skin give me an indescribable feeling of happiness - and it is precisely this feeling that keeps coming back to me when I look at the photo.

Finally, there is an invisible memory linked to the photo: a walk through the city with international, very dear colleagues whom I was able to meet during the week of my staff exchange! I am infinitely grateful for the many new contacts and the inspiration that I was able to take back to Braunschweig from Sweden, Slovenia, Austria, Ireland and Poland, among other places.

Thank you for these wonderful memories, Valencia!