In Dialogue with Nobel Laureates: Young Researchers from Jena in Lindau

From June 28 to July 3, 2026, approximately 75 Nobel laureates and 600 selected young researchers from around the world gathered in Lindau on Lake Constance to discuss cutting-edge scientific research and social responsibility.
Among the participants were Dr. Maximilian Weißflog from our Institute of Applied Physics and Paulina Lohbeck from the Photonic Nanomaterials research group at the Institute of Solid State Physics (IFK). Both qualified for this unique event through their outstanding achievements.

A Rigorous Selection Process

Participation in the Lindau Meeting is anything but a given. The journey begins with a nomination from one’s alma mater—in this case, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena. This is followed by an international selection process in which only the best early-career researchers are chosen. The fact that two researchers from our community have successfully navigated this process underscores the high quality of our research and the international visibility of our work.

Insights into a unique atmosphere

For Maximilian Weißflog, participating in the conference was a highlight not only scientifically but also personally: He had the opportunity to present his PhD findings in a Next Generation Science Session under the title “Splitting Photons: Generating Entangled Quantum Light in Nanostructured Materials”—before an audience of dozens of Nobel laureates: “I’ll probably never have so many Nobel laureates in my lecture hall again.”

He was particularly impressed by the Lindau spirit: an atmosphere where hierarchies disappear and science is understood as a shared, human endeavor. At dinner, he spoke with John Martinis (2025 Nobel Prize in Physics), and at lunch, he exchanged ideas with Steven Chu (1997 Nobel Prize, former U.S. Secretary of Energy).

“It felt almost a little unreal—and then you realize: Even Nobel laureates are ‘normal,’ down-to-earth people.”

In addition to the scientific presentations, the program also featured socially relevant topics: from the role of science in peacekeeping to the question of how researchers can strengthen the public’s understanding of scientific processes—even when these involve uncertainty and iterations.

Furthermore, Lindau offers an opportunity to look beyond the boundaries of one’s own discipline: “As a physicist, I usually attend conferences that focus on my field. Here, Nobel laureates and young researchers from all disciplines came together—that opened up entirely new perspectives,” said Maximilian Weißflog.

A Sign of the Quality of Our Research

Maximilian Weißflog and Paulina Lohbeck’s participation in the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting is more than just a personal honor—it is a sign of the international competitiveness of our research. We warmly congratulate both of them on this special achievement and look forward to following their future scientific careers.

We warmly congratulate both of them on this special achievement and look forward to following their future scientific careers.

Background: The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting

The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings were founded in 1951 to end Germany’s scientific isolation following World War II. Today, they serve as a global forum for the exchange of knowledge, the promotion of young scientists, and science diplomacy. Each year, approximately 600–700 people actively participate—including 30–40 Nobel laureates (up to 75 during anniversary celebrations) and about 600 selected early-career researchers from around the world.