MPL Research team (left to right): Steven Becker (Birgit Stiller Research Group), Michael Poloczek (Maria Chekhova Research Group), Shada Hofemeier Abu Hattum (Guck Division), Xuemei Gu (Mario Krenn Research Group), Anchit Srivastava, (Hanieh Fattahi Research Group), Leonhard Möckl (Möckl Research Group), Jonas Landgraf (Marquardt Division).

MPL scientists Shada Hofemeier Abu Hattum (Guck Division), Steven Becker (RG Stiller), Xuemei Gu (RG Krenn), Michael Poloczek (RG Maria Chekhova) and Anchit Srivastava (RG Fattahi) took part in the six-day event at Lake Constance, which this year was dedicated to the many facets of the Nobel Prize discipline of physics.

Various program formats focused on topics of particular relevance to society: solutions for the future of energy supply, the potential and impact of artificial intelligence, and a broader discussion of basic research and possible applications of quantum physics. "The meeting exceeded all my expectations in the most wonderful ways," reports Shada Hofemeier Abu Hattum, scientist in the Guck Division at the MPL. "The atmosphere was electric. The scientific excitement was contagious, uniting everyone there in a shared passion."

The main objective of the annual conference is the intercultural and intergenerational exchange of knowledge and experience as well as the development of networks. “It was an insightful week at Lindau, filled with inspiring discussions and talks. I had engaging conversations with Nobel Laureates and many young scientists working on different areas of physics. Hearing about their research experiences motivated me to think more deeply about my own journey as a researcher,” says Xuemei Gu from the Krenn Research Rroup, looking back.

The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings have been bringing together researchers from all over the world since 1951 - a diverse, international community, spanning generations, with the aim of finding solutions to the most challenging problems of our time. "At a time when social divisions are affecting the world, it is invaluable for scientists from all over the world to come together. The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings pursue this goal every year, and we see it as our contribution to a better future characterized by growing mutual understanding," said Countess Bettina Bernadotte af Wisborg, President of the Meeting's Board of Trustees, at the opening.

"I have never experienced such an open, inspiring, and encouraging atmosphere at a conference - now I know what the organizers mean by the Lindau Spirit," said Steven Becker from the Stiller research group enthusiastically. And Michael Poloczek, Chekhova Research Group, also emphasizes the uniqueness of the event: "It was a truly unique experience not only due to the discussions with the laureates and the life advice they shared, but also because of the encounters with so many young scientists from different backgrounds all over the world."

Since the first meeting 73 years ago, more than 35,000 young scientists have attended the Lindau Meetings - for many of them it was an experience with a lasting impact on their careers and lives. "Engaging in conversations with several Nobel Laureates, I realised that many of them started as ordinary students like us. They shared a common passion for solving interesting problems and demonstrated remarkable resilience," says Anchit Srivastava from the Fattahi research group, describing his encounters with the approachable Nobel Laureates. "A key takeaway from their collective wisdom is ‘to do what is fun for you.’ This way, even if you encounter failure, at least you will have enjoyed the journey."

It was an insightful week at Lindau, filled with inspiring discussions and talks. I had engaging conversations with Nobel Laureates and many young scientists working on different areas of physics. Hearing about their research experiences motivated me to think more deeply about my own journey as a researcher.