Meeting Nobel Laureates in the Town of Lindau
In July this year, Lindau once again became a meeting point for top scientists from around the world. Among the participants of the prestigious international gathering of Nobel Laureates and young researchers was Anže Hubman, a PhD student in the Laboratory for Molecular Structural Dynamics.
Among more than 600 promising young researchers from as many as 84 countries who took part in the 74th Nobel Laureate Meeting was also Anže Hubman. The doctoral student from the Theory Department attended the event at the invitation of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts and on the recommendation of his supervisor, Associate Professor Dr. Franci Merzel.
The meeting, held annually in the German town of Lindau on Lake Constance, was this year dedicated to chemistry. It brought together 34 Nobel Laureates, with the central theme focusing on opportunities to shape a sustainable future through innovations in chemistry. How is artificial intelligence changing the rules of the game in chemistry? Will circular chemistry pave the way towards a more sustainable future? How can scientific diplomacy bridge cultural differences, promote peace, and strengthen cooperation in areas such as climate change, public health, and technological development? These were some of the key questions discussed by the participants as they sought visions and solutions.
Events of this kind, which have so far involved more than 400 Nobel Laureates, are designed as a forum for exchanging opinions, experiences, and knowledge between scientists from different generations, cultures, and disciplines. Participants can also take part in other activities such as lunches with Nobel Laureates or scientific walks — opportunities for relaxed conversations and networking with leading researchers.
Hubman considers it a special honor to have joined a scientific walk with last year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry winner, John M. Jumper. Jumper received the prestigious award for his work in predicting protein structures. “It was a completely informal event — we walked, had coffee, and talked. What stuck with me most was when Jumper said that sometimes, more important than formal education, is connecting knowledge from different fields. In his view, that’s what brings originality, difference, and is key to innovation and scientific breakthroughs,” Hubman recalls.
Participation in this prestigious meeting is considered an exceptional recognition and an invaluable opportunity for young scientists. Selected participants go through a demanding nomination and selection process. The event makes an important contribution to international networking, knowledge transfer, and encourages the development of future scientific leaders.
“I’ve attended many conferences before, but this event was truly something special. What surprised me most was people’s openness and willingness to talk. For example, when I sat down on a bench, other participants soon joined me, curious about something, and we quickly got into a conversation. It was also interesting to see that participants from different parts of the world had very similar research,as well as personal challenges. I brought home a stack of business cards and truly built a network of new acquaintances, with whom I will certainly stay in touch and, I hope, collaborate,” he sums up his impressions.
The first Nobel Laureate Meeting in Lindau took place in 1951 at the initiative of local physicians Franz Karl Hein and Gustav Wilhelm Parade, with the support of Swedish Count Lennart Bernadotte. The aim of the event was to promote the exchange of knowledge and ideas between Nobel Laureates and young scientists from around the world, in the spirit of scientific renewal after the Second World War.
For more details please check: Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings
Photo moments:
Photo credits: Anže Hubman and lindau-nobel.org / Lindau Mediatheque