Rakiya A.Muhammad
With just two months to go until the Lindau Laureate Interdisciplinary Anniversary Meeting, nearly 75 Nobel Laureates have pledged to attend a gathering that weaves together scientific breakthroughs with their far-reaching societal and political impacts.
The meeting organisers announced that among the 75 Nobel Laureates are several recent winners making their Lindau debut.
They highlighted the remarkable journey of Michel Devoret, who began at Lindau as a Young Scientist and now returns as a Nobel Laureate in Physics, noting with pride that he is the third alumnus to achieve this distinction.
With Devoret joining Bert Sakmann (Physiology/Medicine 1991) and Morten Meldal, (Chemistry 2022) Lindau alumni have now achieved Nobel recognition in every natural science discipline.
Showcasing the vital conversation between groundbreaking science and global responsibility, the programme at Inselhalle launches on Sunday, 28 June at 14:00 with a celebratory opening ceremony, followed by a distinguished panel on Global Health featuring Katalin Karikó, Morten Meldal, Frederick J. Ramsdell, and José Ramos-Horta.
This opening sets the stage for a week-long programme that continually connects scientific discovery to its broader societal and political effects. Over five days, a vibrant mix of sessions will capture the unique spirit of this Anniversary Meeting.
The agenda spotlights key themes including resilience, life, integrity and information that celebrate the interdisciplinary heart of the Meeting, creating a space where diverse fields converge amid rapid global change.
Artificial intelligence takes centre stage as one of the era’s defining topics. With visionaries Geoffrey Hinton and John Jumper, the programme unites two trailblazers who are revolutionising the pace and practice of scientific discovery.
In addition, Nobel Peace Prize Laureates like José Manuel Barroso, Ales Bialiatski, and Han Seung-soo will bring their unique stories and insights to the stage on Saturday, offering powerful reflections on leadership and responsibility during uncertain times.
The programme spotlights Quantum computing as a bold new frontier, unlocking possibilities that surpass today’s technology. Michel Devoret will explore this groundbreaking field together with William D. Phillips, celebrated for his pioneering work in cooling and trapping atoms using laser light.
It sparks compelling questions: What are the most pressing research priorities today, and how do their significance and visibility shift across the globe? A panel led by Omar M. Yaghi brings together Young Scientists from diverse regions to illuminate the worldwide challenges and future perspectives shaping research.
In six Next Gen Science Sessions, Young Scientists will showcase their research and fresh ideas, offering a glimpse into how the next generation is preparing to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.
Beyond the scientific sessions, the Meeting promises countless opportunities for Laureates and Young Scientists to connect and exchange ideas on a personal level.
A highlight of 2026 will be the International Evening honouring Sweden, the home of the Nobel Prizes for 125 years.
On the final day, 3 July, participants will have another chance to connect, starting with the beloved tradition of a Boat Trip to Mainau Island, hosted by Baden-Württemberg.
After a panel on education’s power to rebuild trust in science and foster informed public dialogue, the Meeting will close with a ceremony welcoming the 2026 class of Young Scientists into the dynamic global Lindau Alumni network.
