Senem Dila Yılmaz from the Department of Chemistry and Elif Önel from the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics represented Istanbul Technical University at the historic anniversary meeting in Germany.
Two students from the Faculty of Science and Letters at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) participated in the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, one of the world’s most distinguished forums for dialogue between Nobel Laureates and emerging scientists.
Senem Dila Yılmaz, from the Department of Chemistry, and Elif Önel, from the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, represented ITU at the interdisciplinary meeting held in Lindau, Germany, from 28 June to 3 July 2026.
Organised under the theme “75 Years and Beyond – Science Transcending Borders,” the anniversary meeting brought together approximately 70 Nobel Laureates and more than 600 Young Scientists from around the world. The organisers described the 2026 edition as the largest, most international and most diverse meeting in the history of this unique scientific forum.
A Unique Platform for Intergenerational Scientific Dialogue
The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings have created opportunities for scientific and personal exchange across generations, disciplines and cultures for 75 years. Unlike a conventional academic conference centred primarily on formal research presentations, the Lindau Meeting is structured around direct engagement between Nobel Laureates and selected early-career scientists.
Its programme includes Nobel Laureate lectures, interdisciplinary discussions, small-group sessions and informal formats designed to encourage open scientific exchange. Through activities such as Nobel Hours, Science Walks and Laureate Lunches, Young Scientists can discuss research, scientific careers and the broader responsibilities of science directly with Nobel Laureates.
Participation in the Meeting is reserved for promising undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students, as well as young postdoctoral researchers. Candidates take part through nomination by recognised academic partners or through an open application process and are assessed according to the Meeting’s selection criteria.
ITU Students at the Centre of an International Scientific Community
During the Meeting, Senem Dila Yılmaz and Elif Önel had the opportunity to interact with Nobel Laureates and exchange ideas with Young Scientists representing different countries, institutions and scientific disciplines.
The interdisciplinary character of the 75th anniversary programme was particularly significant for the two ITU students. Chemistry and molecular biology are deeply interconnected fields, and the Meeting provided an environment in which scientific questions could be examined beyond conventional disciplinary boundaries.
The programme addressed not only scientific discoveries but also some of the most consequential questions facing contemporary research, including artificial intelligence, global health, scientific responsibility, research culture, international cooperation and public trust in science.
For Yılmaz and Önel, participation therefore represented more than attendance at an international scientific event. It offered direct access to a global community built around scientific excellence, intellectual curiosity and dialogue between generations.
A Significant Achievement for the Faculty of Science and Letters
The selection of two students from the same faculty for such a distinguished international meeting constitutes an important achievement for both the students and Istanbul Technical University.
Their participation demonstrates that the education and research environment provided by the ITU Faculty of Science and Letters enables students to become part of highly selective international scientific networks at an early stage of their academic development.
It also reflects the complementary strengths of the Faculty’s Department of Chemistry and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. By representing these two disciplines at an interdisciplinary meeting of global importance, Yılmaz and Önel contributed to the international visibility of fundamental sciences at ITU.
The experience also carries long-term academic value. Connections established at Lindau may lead to future exchanges of knowledge, international research contacts and new perspectives on scientific careers. Participants become part of the Lindau Alumni community, which comprises more than 35,000 Young Scientists who have attended the Meetings throughout their history.
From ITU to a Global Stage of Scientific Excellence
The 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting celebrated not only the achievements of Nobel Prize-winning scientists but also the potential of the next generation to shape the future of research.
By participating in this historic meeting, Senem Dila Yılmaz of the Department of Chemistry and Elif Önel of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics carried the name of Istanbul Technical University to one of the world’s most respected platforms for emerging scientists.
Their achievement stands as a source of pride for the ITU community and as an inspiring example for students seeking to pursue science beyond disciplinary and national borders.