A week among Nobel Laureates for two Max Planck researchers

Two researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen were selected to participate in the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, held last week.

From conversations with Nobel Prize winners to discussions on the future of science with leading international researchers, last week offered two young scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen an extraordinary opportunity. Postdoctoral researcher Maryam Mahmoudi from the Department of Molecular Biology and doctoral researcher Alexandra Waldherr from the Department of Protein Evolution were selected to participate in the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, joining more than 650 outstanding early-career researchers from around the world.

The annual meeting brings together Nobel Laureates and outstanding early-career researchers to exchange ideas and discuss the future of science. This year's anniversary meeting marked 75 years of the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings and coincided with the 125th anniversary of the Nobel Prize. More than 70 Nobel Laureates gathered in Lindau, where the meeting was opened by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who underscored the importance of democracy and fundamental research—values that also lie at the heart of the Max Planck Society.

For Maryam Mahmoudi, the week was both inspiring and thought-provoking. "Meeting Nobel Laureates and connecting with young scientists from around the world have given me new perspectives for scientific research," says Maryam. "It was a truly unique and inspiring experience."

Alexandra Waldherr took part in scientific sessions throughout the week and was also selected to join a panel discussion with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the topic of Freedom of Research. She also had the opportunity to exchange ideas with Nobel Laureates John Jumper and Steven Chu, among many others. Reflecting on the experience, Alexandra was particularly struck by the openness of the Nobel Laureates. "I was struck by the diversity of ideas, the clarity in thought, and the kindness of the Nobel Laureates," she says. "Good science requires good questions, good funding, good ideas and good people. The Max Planck Society is built upon decades of inquisitive people, and breakthroughs, supported by a generous German society and its citizens. We should remind ourselves of this sometimes."