Annual Report 2025 - Report - Page 25
Young Scientists at #LINO25
Curious and Empowered by the
Lindau Community
Simon Nirenberg from Brown University gave a heartfelt farewell speech at the
74th Lindau Meeting, reflecting on the power of curiosity and courage. The full speech is
available in the Lindau Mediatheque.
Simon Nirenberg with Nobel Laureate and Lindau Alumnus Morten Meldal
From the moment I entered this Meeting, I felt empowered to pursue curiosity. The Nobel Laureates were very
deliberately walking around like all the Young Scientists –
just normal. While many of them got to present their
work, so did many Young Scientists, including me, some
random 19-year-old.
So, the distance between myself and the Laureates
had shrunk immensely, and it was very clear that with it,
the activation energy of pursuing my curiosity had also
shrunk. But the same was also true for the other Young
Scientists. From the intimate size of the group lunches
and workshops to the unique spirit brought about by
everyone’s beautiful clothing at last night’s dinner. Every
interaction was geared toward curiosity. (…)
For my fellow Young Scientists, I encourage you to reflect on all the times this week that you have faced the
crossroads of curiosity, and all the times you chose to pursue that curiosity. Think about the fantastic, life-changing stimulation that led to the friendships, the mindsets,
and the collaborations, and keep it with you when you
leave, as you move on and encounter adversity and fear.
Remember the Lindau Spirit and let it guide you as a compass toward the most fulfilling and joyful scientific careers you can imagine.
For the Nobel Laureates, thank you for engaging in
this fantastic mission, for your phenomenal wisdom, fascinating conversations, and your inspiring stories. I hope
that you will continue to attend and that you too continue to be empowered in your curiosity and your courage
to try new things. Never stop challenging the status quo,
and never stop sharing your stories with young people.
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