Knights, Riddles, and Royal Revelry: Kohl & Pinkel 2025 Crowns a New Queen
On the evening of July 16, 2025, the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research found itself transported to a realm of medieval mischief, mythical quests, and Monty Python-inspired absurdity as it hosted the much-anticipated Kohl & Pinkel celebration. More than 250 members of our community – including scientists, staff, alumni, and family members – gathered to take part in this cherished tradition.
The tradition dates back to 1977 and, across almost 50 years, the day has become known for its creative themes, from seafaring sailors to mountain-dwelling monks. Within the context of each theme, our institute’s directors compete to be crowned the Kohl King or Kohl Queen – a title they carry until they organise the next edition. The competition is always good-humoured, featuring spirited performances. Familiar faces often return for this special event, such as former Kohl King Prof. Klaus von Klitzing. Having won the previous edition, Prof. Ali Alavi and his team were tasked with planning this year's festivities.
This year’s edition bore the Monty Python-inspired title The Knights that say $h/nu$ and drew inspiration from the legends of King Arthur and Robin Hood. Under this banner, the institute's directors took on the roles of noble knights, embarking on a quest to save King Arthur (portrayed by Prof. Alavi) and to prove themselves worthy heirs to his throne. Through a series of medieval-style trials, the directors were tasked with collecting enough gold to pay the ransom that would free the captive king. These trials included tests of archery, mind-bending riddles, and a particularly tricky drawing challenge using swords shaped more for comedy than for accuracy.
By the end of their quest, each knight had amassed enough gold to pay the ransom. But the true heir had yet to be revealed. In a dramatic final trial, the knights attempted to pull a sword from a stone. Only one possessed the strength and virtue to succeed: Dame Bettina the Brilliant (the knight name of Prof. Bettina Lotsch). With that feat, she earned her crown and was declared Kohl Queen 2025, securing both the throne and the responsibility of organising the next edition.
Following the coronation, the festivities continued with a feast that matched the medieval theme in both abundance and generosity. Guests dined on crisp-skinned pork knuckle and freshly made Swabian spätzle, with oven-baked apple strudel providing a sweet finale. Beer flowed freely from the taps, and a cocktail bar kept spirits high well into the evening. Each guest received a special Kohl and Pinkel medieval glass (prepared by glassblowers at our institute), as well as a custom-engraved golden coin.
The entertainment didn’t stop at the table. Guests were treated to two magic shows that delighted both children and adults, before karaoke enthusiasts took the stage. The highlight of the night came when Prof. Bettina Lotsch and Prof. Ali Alavi surprised the crowd with a rendition of Dancing Queen, prompting laughter, applause, and more than a few enthusiastic backup singers.
The night would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of the Alavi department, as well as Christine Blaga, Regina Noack, and Jon Parnell. Particular gratitude goes to Thomas Schraivogel and Birgit King, whose leadership and attention to detail ensured the evening ran seamlessly.
The Kohl & Pinkel celebration continues to be a uniquely MPI-FKF tradition – a blend of science, silliness, and solidarity. With Queen Bettina now crowned and ready to organise the next edition, the legacy of this cherished gathering grows ever stronger, proving that even in a world of cutting-edge research, there’s always room for a bit of magic and medieval mayhem.
