“Participating in the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting certainly shapes my future path as a scientist”

One of the most valuable aspects of the event was the chance to hear Nobel laureates share their career journeys and the pivotal decisions they made. It was fascinating to learn about the myriad paths one can take to achieve scientific goals and breakthroughs, and this knowledge will undoubtedly serve as a reference for my own future endeavours. Additionally, the meeting provided a wonderful platform for networking with international scientists from various disciplines, potentially paving the way for fruitful collaborations and future scientific discoveries.

Importantly, this year's meeting placed a strong emphasis on diversity and scientific merit. While this fostered an enriching environment for learning and contrasting opinions between young and seasoned scientists, particularly in relation to gender equality, it also introduced a certain level of tension since this topic is discussed very controversially and emotionally. From my perspective, ensuring equal opportunities for both men and women is crucial, and the focus should always lie on scientific merit and achievements, irrespective of gender. I remain optimistic that progress will continue in the coming years, but it is essential to be patient, as this transformation is a gradual process.

Despite the exhausting nature of the event, the Lindau meeting proved to be one of the most enlightening experiences of my life. My expectations were surpassed by the format of the gathering, which combined scientific excellence with personal interactions with Nobel laureates and fellow participants. This week in Lindau has profoundly influenced me and will undoubtedly shape my future path as a scientist.