Ten of Australia's brightest early-career scientists have attended the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, dedicated to chemistry.
The event, held from 29 June to 4 July in Lindau, Germany, is a highly prestigious annual gathering of Nobel laureates and approximately 600 young scientists from around the world.
It provides a unique opportunity for the young scientists to share their research, experiences and ideas, and gain inspiration from fellow emerging scientists and Nobel laureates.
As well as meeting their heroes, the Australian delegates also made a strong impression by presenting their work in the Next Gen Science sessions.
Dr Wenchao Duan of CSIRO presented on 'Machine Learning-Driven Electrochemical Sensors for Antibiotics Detection in Water' and Dr Damon de Clercq of the University of New South Wales presented on 'Molecules for Efficient Solar Energy'.
"This platform enabled me to showcase my work and gain valuable recognition for my research contributions," said Dr Wenchao Duan.
"Several researchers approached me afterwards to discuss my research and explore potential collaborations."
Dr Damon de Clercq said he was one of 45 young scientists chosen from among 606 to present their research in the NextGen Science Sessions.
"My talk took place in the main hall to an audience of approximately 400. After my talk, Professor Morton Meldal [Nobel Prize Chemistry, 2022] shook my hand, congratulated me, and we had a fruitful discussion," Dr de Clercq said.
Posting reels on the Academy's social media throughout the week, which received around 1.5k views each, the delegates gave us an inside look into the energy, inspiration, passion and optimism that makes the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings such a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
See the entire series of reels on Facebook
The Australian delegation was led by biophysical chemist and Academy Foreign Secretary Professor Frances Separovic AO FAA, who signed a new Memorandum of Understanding at the meeting with the Council for the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings and the Foundation Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings.
What the participants said
"I've come back from the Lindau Meeting incredibly inspired and motivated. It was an exceptionally unique experience to be surrounded by so many people from such a diverse array of backgrounds that all shared such a passion for science. Regardless of the adversity some young scientists had faced, everyone was full of optimism and drive to implement real changes. This has already inspired me to realise the potential we have as students, irrespective of age, to have significant impact in solving issues big or small." - Jess Algar, the Australian National University
"The meeting deepened my understanding of emerging scientific directions while reinforcing the values of curiosity, collaboration and integrity. It significantly contributed to my professional growth and renewed my long-term commitment to advancing impactful, globally connected research." - Dr Ken Aldren Usman, Deakin University
"It was also truly energizing and interesting to learn from and connect with many Young Scientists and honourable guests from around the world, opening many doors to future collaborations. The meeting reinforced my motivation to pursue impactful research and to contribute meaningfully to science. This experience has become one of the biggest achievements in my academic life, that I will continue to cherish through the years." - Made Ganesh Darmayanti, Monash University
"The meeting exposed me to phenomenal scientific ideas and diverse ways of thinking. It was intellectually energising and helped seed new research ideas and directions that I hope to pursue in the coming years. The experience helped lay important foundations for my future career through both inspiration and connection. The meeting was genuinely life changing and has cemented my ambition to have positive impact through my research." - Dr James Watson, University of New South Wales
Research innovation tour
As part of the group's travel, the Academy organised a research innovation tour in Berlin in the lead-up to the Lindau meeting.
The tour enabled the young scientists to visit a leading industry player and a range of prestigious research institutes connected to their fields of studies, including:
- Bayer
- The Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP)
- Freie Universität Berlin
- Institut für Chemie, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH (HZB) BESSY
They also met Chargé d'affaires Kate Luxford at the Australian Embassy in Berlin and learnt about the role of science in Australia and Germany's bilateral relationship.
