“ The entire event was memorable, it was truly unique.  I can only encourage all fellow PhD students to apply.”

• Molecular and Translational Allergology
• Department of Infection and Immunity
• PhD Candidates

We were talking with Rebecca Klapp, PhD student at the Luxembourg Institute of Health, about her participation in the 75^th interdisciplinary Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting.

Every year, the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings bring together Nobel Prize laureates and selected young researchers from around the world, for a week of scientific exchange and dialogue. The 2026 meeting was held from 28 June to 3 July under the theme“Science Transcending Borders,” and gathered around 70 Nobel laureates and 650 young scientists.

Rebecca Klapp, PhD student in the Molecular and Translational Allergology unit at the Department of Infection and Immunity of the LIH, tells us about her experience as a participant of this year’s edition.

Rebecca, how did you get the opportunity to participate in the meeting?

Rebecca: I applied to the FNR call open to postdoctoral researchers, PhD candidates and Master’s students in September 2025. After being nominated, I went through a second selection round conducted by the Lindau selection committee before being accepted.

What was the programme of the week like?

Rebecca: Each day began with breakfast panel discussions covering a variety of topics, followed by lectures from Nobel laureates representing fields such as physics, biology and chemistry. In the afternoons, there were the “Nobel Hours”, where groups of young scientists could interact directly with a laureate and ask questions. The evenings were dedicated to thematic dinners, with no seats assigned: each time you could meet a different laureate.

One of the highlights was also the opportunity to book small-group lunches. I was fortunate to catch a spot for the lunch with Dr. Katalin Karikó, known for her work on RNA and immune activation that contributed to the development of COVID-19 vaccines. She spoke openly about her career path, the challenges she faced and the importance of perseverance. It was really inspiring to hear her story, and I’ll definitely read the book she recently published about her journey. I’m sure it’s full of valuable career advice.

What impressed you most about the Nobel laureates?

Rebecca: Their openness. They were incredibly approachable and genuinely interested in talking with young researchers. Sometimes you would simply join in a conversation during a coffee break. Discussions ranged from specific discoveries to broader topics such as artificial intelligence and publishing, such as in a coffee chat with the astrophysicist Dr. Brian P. Schmidt.

I also had the opportunity to interact with Dr. Frederick J. Ramsdell, recognized for his pioneering work on regulatory T cells. We discussed topics related to my work, and this was really motivating for me.

Another memorable encounter was with Dr. Morten Meldal, who once attended Lindau as a young scientist and has since become a Nobel laureate. He immediately accepted the invitation to return as a laureate. You could really feel how excited he was to be there!  

And the most memorable moment?

Rebecca: The entire event was memorable, it was truly unique. I can only encourage all fellow PhD students to apply. But if I had to choose, I would say the dinners and lunches, when we had real opportunities for conversation.

Thanks Rebecca, for sharing this inspiring experience!

Funding information: Supported by the Luxembourg National Research Fund and co-funded by the Foundation Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings.