Reminiscence of the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting
I recently had the privilege of attending the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, an experience unlike any scientific conference I have attended before. Rather than being defined solely by presentations and formal discussions, the meeting fostered an atmosphere of genuine curiosity, openness, and interdisciplinary exchange. From the very first morning, young scientists from around the world eagerly gathered to introduce themselves, discuss their research, and learn from one another. I have rarely encountered such an environment, where people were so genuinely interested in understanding work far beyond their own disciplines.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the meeting was the ease with which participants explained complex ideas across fields including physics, mathematics, chemistry, meteorology, biology, medicine, and space engineering. Whether over breakfast, coffee, during bus rides, or while waiting between sessions, conversations flowed naturally across disciplines, making it an exceptional opportunity to appreciate how different areas of science approach fundamental questions and global challenges.
Equally inspiring was the opportunity to interact with more than seventy Nobel Laureates, whose scientific achievements were matched by decades of experience, resilience, and intellectual curiosity. Discussions extended well beyond science itself. We explored topics such as climate change, artificial intelligence, nuclear security, geopolitical tensions, scientific integrity, open science, and the challenge of rebuilding public trust in scientific evidence. A recurring theme throughout the meeting was the importance of engaging young people early and cultivating scientific thinking from the beginning of their education.
The programme also extended well beyond the natural sciences. One particularly memorable session featured Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, who spoke about human rights, democracy, and the profound impact of geopolitics on individuals and societies. Having learned that he had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize while imprisoned, his story was a powerful testament to resilience and moral conviction. Despite years of persecution, he spoke with remarkable determination about the importance of standing up for fundamental human rights and continuing to do what is right, even under the most difficult circumstances. I also attended a discussion with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who shared her perspectives on research funding, international collaboration, inequality, and the political challenges facing modern science. Together, these sessions highlighted that scientific progress and societal progress are deeply interconnected.
Perhaps the greatest lesson I took away from Lindau was that meaningful scientific progress depends as much on communication as it does on experimentation. Discussing ideas openly, asking questions, and learning to explain one's work to researchers from entirely different disciplines proved invaluable. Every conversation offered a new perspective, challenged assumptions, and often sparked entirely new ideas. The meeting reinforced that science advances not in isolation, but through dialogue and collaboration. In retrospect, it was not only the presence of Nobel Laureates that made Lindau extraordinary. Rather, it was the collective curiosity, enthusiasm, and openness of hundreds of young scientists from across the world. The meeting demonstrated that scientific excellence is driven by an enduring desire to learn, to question, and to engage with others. That atmosphere of intellectual curiosity was, in many ways, the defining feature of the experience.
I was also honoured to receive a small token of recognition during the meeting for my proposal on improving public education and awareness about the risks of nuclear war through accessible science communication aimed at younger audiences. Although modest, this recognition reinforced my belief that scientists have a responsibility not only to generate knowledge but also to communicate it effectively and contribute to informed public discourse. The 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting was therefore much more than a scientific conference. It was a reminder that the future of science depends not only on ground-breaking research, but also on interdisciplinary collaboration, open dialogue, international cooperation, and a lifelong commitment to curiosity.
None of this, of course, would have been possible without the National Institute of Chemistry (Kemijski inštitut) who generously funded my participation in the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. I am especially grateful to my mentor, Prof. Roman Jerala, for his continuous support, encouragement, and confidence in my abilities throughout my PhD journey. His guidance and trust made this opportunity possible. I would also like to thank the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SAZU) for nominating me to represent Slovenia at this prestigious meeting. It was an honour and a privilege to participate, and I return with new perspectives, valuable collaborations, and renewed motivation for my future scientific career.
By: Archismita Kundu
Discussion with dr. Fredrick Ramsdell (Nobel prize, medicine 2025) during Science walk.
Discussing effect of geopolitics on science with prof. dr. Morten Meldal (Nobel Prize, Chemistry 2022)
Receiving small token of recognition for my proposal on improving public education and awareness about the risks of nuclear war through accessible science communication aimed at younger audiences.
Inframe laureates: David J. Gross (Nobel Prize in Physics 2004), W. E. Moerner (Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2014), globally recognized Nobel Laureates who recently collaborated to advocate for nuclear disarmament and raise awareness about existential threats to civilization.
