Interactions with Nobel Laurates Francis Arnold (left) and Frank Joachim (right)
From June 29th to the July 4th , 2025, I had the honor of participating at the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting (Chemistry), held in Lindau, Germany. This prestigious gathering brought together 35 Nobel Laureates and 600 young scientists from around the world. It was a week of intense intellectual exchange, inspiration, and international collaboration. As a young scientist from Zimbabwe, the experience was deeply empowering. The meeting offered a unique platform for dialogues on pressing global challenges such as climate change, sustainability, and green chemistry. I engaged in discussions around scientific integrity, interdisciplinary research, and the future of chemical innovation.
Highlights of the meeting included:
- Lectures and panel discussions by Nobel Laureates like Motern Medal, Frances Arnold, and Frank Joachim, who shared their scientific journeys. Their talks were not only scientifically enriching but also personally motivating, especially as they emphasized creativity, curiosity, and the importance of building supportive research communities.
- Next Gen Science Sessions, where fellow young scientists presented their research in short, interactive talks. It was encouraging to see high-quality work from across the world, and I had the opportunity to discuss MOF-based carbon capture with peers from Canada, Poland, and Germany, who shared related interests and possible avenues for collaboration.
- Science Walks and open dialogue events, which fostered informal yet impactful conversations with Nobel Laureates and young scientists. These informal walks with Nobel Laureates allowed for honest conversations about life in science that is dealing with rejection, choosing research topics, and finding balance. I walked with Morten Peter Medal who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2022, jointly with Carolyn Bertozzi and K. Barry Sharpless for his fundamental research into click chemistry.
Science walk with Morten Peter Medal is a Danish chemist. In 2022, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, jointly with Carolyn Bertozzi and K. Barry Sharpless. His fundamental research into click chemistry was recognized.
- Networking and Cultural Exchange, Evenings included social events that promoted global friendships. Whether we were on a boat cruise on Lake Constance or sharing stories during international evenings, the connections made in Lindau went beyond academic interests. The Lindau Meeting reminded me that science is not only about discovery. It is also about connection, responsibility, and building bridges across nations and generations.
Bavarian evening celebrating different cultures in science
Coming from a developing country, I often find myself navigating challenges related to limited resources and visibility. Being at Lindau showed me that my voice and ideas are valid and needed on the global scientific stage. It was powerful to be in a space where diversity was not only present but celebrated. One of the most touching aspects of the meeting was realizing that science isn’t just about data and publications it’s about people. The Laureates were generous with their time and open about their struggles. Many encouraged us to think not only about our next paper but about our broader scientific responsibility to society, to the environment, and to future generations.
The Lindau Meeting has strengthened my goal to continue my doctoral journey in materials chemistry, focusing on flexible and multivariate MOFs for sustainable catalysis and carbon capture. It has also inspired me to contribute to science outreach and mentorship, especially for young women in Africa who aspire to careers in STEM but face systemic barriers.
I am grateful to the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting Foundation, Midlands State University, and all the partners who made this experience possible. I would especially like to thank Prof. Gift Mehlana for his guidance and mentorship throughout my scientific journey, Dr. Piwai Tshuma and Prof. Lars Öhrström for their encouragement and support. It has expanded my network, refined my vision, and empowered me to dream bigger not just for myself, but for the next generation of African scientists.