Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting 2024
As a former MSCA fellow, I recently had the opportunity to attend the 73rd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, dedicated to physics. This prestigious event brought together over 30 Nobel Laureates and 600 young scientists from around the globe, fostering a stimulating environment of intellectual exchange and inspiration in the picturesque city of Lindau in the border region of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
The week-long meeting was an intense combination of various formats. There were scientific lectures and agora talks from Nobel laureates, encompassing a wide variety of topics, from quantum field theory, over the history of the SI unit system, to more applied topics such as super-resolution microscopy.
One of the most interesting aspects of the meeting was the “open exchange” sessions. These gatherings allowed young scientists to engage directly with Nobel Laureates, asking questions that spanned a wide range of topics. During these sessions, the Nobel Laureates shared their insights on scientific concepts, science policy, the importance of scientific thinking, and the role of education in fostering future generations of scientists. In addition to these science-related discussions, this was also an opportunity to ask about their personal lives, including their hobbies or their perspectives on parenthood.
The event also featured a variety of social activities, ranging from morning workouts to evenings filled with live music, dance, and traditional (and less-traditional) food. A personal highlight for me was sharing the dinner table with Eric Betzig, a Nobel laureate in 2014 for his work on super-resolution microscopy. The week ended with a memorable boat trip to the nearby island of Mainau, where a panel discussion on “how to preserve trust in science in the age of AI” was organized, and the Nobel Laureates signed the “Mainau Declaration 2024 on Nuclear Weapons”.
Throughout the event, there were numerous opportunities to not only meet Nobel laureates but also to connect with fellow researchers from diverse backgrounds and fields. These interactions, in a very open and respectful environment, were a significant aspect of the meeting and are something I will cherish greatly.
Overall, the 73rd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting was an intense, but profoundly enriching experience. It provided a unique platform for engagement with leading figures in physics and peers from around the world and I am very happy and grateful for having had the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious gathering.
