The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings are internationally renowned conferences, attended annually by about 30–40 Nobel Laureates and some of the most promising young scientists from all over the world. Alternating between the disciplines Physics, Chemistry, and Physiology or Medicine, the Lindau Meetings are a unique opportunity to educate, inspire, and connect beyond cultural and political boundaries for the leading scientists of tomorrow.
Julia Valderas learned about the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings through her colleague Ruby Davtyan, who attended it last year, and had a great experience as well. She was very happy to be among the lucky ones:
“I received an email after we arrived in Los Angeles, California, for a conference last March. I was staying with my friends, and I had to tell them first! I didn't really believe it at the beginning, but I was very excited about this opportunity,” says Julia Valderas, PhD student at Solid State Physics.
“I heard about the Lindau Meetings during my PhD from colleagues and professors at the Technical University of Munich, Germany. They told me it’s a great event where young scientists can meet Nobel Laureates and learn from their experiences. I got an email with the news – I was honestly a bit shocked at first, then very excited. It felt great to be selected.,” says Ajeet Kumar, Postdoctoral fellow at Chemical Physics.
What did you expect to learn from the Nobel Laureate Meeting?
“Before going there, I thought it was going to be mostly the interactions with the Laureates and the discussions that would happen during the event. But now, after being there, the most valuable experience was the other young researchers I met there, and the connections I made with people from all around the world”, says Julia Valderas.
Ajeet Kumar was also hoping to hear stories from the Laureates about their work and life in science, and to meet other young researchers doing exciting things, having inspiring conversations.
Which of the key themes was more interesting to you?
“I’m especially interested in topics related to physical chemistry, light–matter interaction, and photocatalysis. I’m also curious about how AI is being used in chemistry research, so I was particularly looking forward to any talks that touch on that as well,” says Ajeet Kumar.
“There were a lot of multidisciplinary areas, and my favourite were those related to biology and biological research. Sustainability and environmental sciences were also very interesting topics”, says Julia Valderas.
How did your interest in science start?
”Since I was a kid, I was convinced that I wanted to be an Astronomer. Something went “wrong” on the way there since I ended up studying a bachelor’s in Biotechnology, but life is weird and I made it back at the end to Solid State Physics for my PhD!” says Julia Valderas.
“My interest started during my studies in India. During my master’s at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, I got more into physical chemistry and research, and that’s when I decided to continue in this field”, says Ajeet Kumar.
How did you end up at NanoLund in Sweden?
“Long story short, I was at covid lockdown at home in Spain, finishing my master’s and looking for opportunities abroad, thinking of a Nano-related Erasmus internship to get some experience abroad. What was supposed to be a three-month stay in Lund ended up being almost five years here”, says Julia Valderas.
“I found a postdoc position with Prof. Donatas Zigmantas in the Chemical Physics division at the Chemistry Department of Lund University,” says Ajeet Kumar.
What instructions did you get from the organisers of the meeting – what do you typically bring, or prepare, or think of before leaving for Lindau?
“There are not many things required to bring, although a swimsuit is a great recommendation, since swimming in the lake is amazing! On the other hand, we were supposed to prepare a bit beforehand, selecting some of the activities we wanted to participate in, and even answering some questions for a journalist!” says Julia Valderas.
“We’ve been told to be curious, open-minded, and ready to ask questions. We were also encouraged to learn about the Nobel Laureates before the meeting and bring materials if we were sharing our research”, says Ajeet Kumar.
