Young scientists learning from Nobel Laureates
The project LIN11-12-13(opens in new window) (Nobel Laureate meetings in natural sciences 2011 - 2013 with Laureates as scientific role models) brought together 6 Nobel Laureates and an average of 550 young scientists at each of the 3 meetings. The week-long events supported scientific and personal exchange, presenting Nobel Laureates as role models to strengthen scientific careers and science in itself. Fellowships and travel allowances were granted to enable the attendance of 60 young scientists, mostly from countries experiencing economic difficulties. A series of sessions, including panel discussions and a newly developed Science Master Class format, was realised and well received by the participants. The 2011 Closing Panel Discussion was titled Global Health, for 2012 it was The Future of Energy Supply and Storage, and in 2013 it was Green Chemistry. The contents of these discussions were disseminated via broadcasting, media coverage and press relations. Furthermore, three information sessions were held by the European Commission as part of the programme. The project's organisation of these three meetings helped to promote Nobel Laureates as role models, positively influencing young researchers in their motivation, career choices and appreciation of the relevance of science in society. The meetings also showed improvements in gender balance between 2011 and 2013. Most of the material from the meetings is available through the Lindau Mediatheque(opens in new window) website, as are many lectures, scientific programmes and reports. In its efforts to strengthen and enable encounters between excellent young researchers and Nobel Laureates, LIN11-12-13 helped improve the connection between science and society. The results of project work bode well for related EU efforts working towards a knowledge-based economy.