Between AI and Sustainability: IGZ Early Career Researcher at the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Chemistry 2025
Among them was Nicolas Proksch, a doctoral researcher in the “Management of Bioactive Compounds” research group at the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ). His participation was made possible through the support of Prof. Franziska Hanschen (IGZ, TU Berlin), Prof. Sascha Rohn (TU Berlin), the institute itself, and the Leibniz Association.
The scientific programme covered a broad spectrum of Nobel Laureates’ research topics – from the fundamentals and latest developments in AI-based protein structure prediction using AlphaFold (Dr. John M. Jumper, Google DeepMind, Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2024 for protein structure prediction), to the discovery and application of quantum dots (Prof. Dr. Moungi G. Bawendi, MIT, Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023 for the development and synthesis of quantum dots), and photoredox catalysis ( Prof. Dr. Sir David W. C. MacMillan, Princeton University, Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2021 for the development of asymmetrical organocatalysis). Particularly interesting was the lecture by Prof. Stefan W. Hell (MPI for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2014 for the development of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy), who presented the latest advances in fluorescence microscopy, enabling the observation of structural changes in proteins in real time.
In addition to the lectures, interactive formats such as “Laureate Lunches”, “Science Walks”, and “Agora Talks” provided opportunities for personal exchange. In small groups, young scientists were able to discuss scientific approaches, career paths, and the impact of global developments on research directly with Nobel Laureates.
“The atmosphere was incredibly inspiring – the direct exchange with researchers who have shaped our discipline left a lasting impression on me. It was remarkable how open all participants were. New contacts were made easily.” says Nicolas Proksch.
Background: The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings
Since 1951, the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings have served as an internationally recognised forum for interdisciplinary exchange between Nobel Laureates and early career scientists. Held annually in Lindau on Lake Constance, the meetings alternate between the disciplines of Chemistry, Physics, and Physiology/Medicine. Their aim is to foster dialogue across generations, cultures, and disciplines, and to strengthen international scientific collaboration.