Seven young scientists specialising in chemistry were selected by the Academy of Sciences South Africa ASSAf to represent the country at the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate meeting held on 29 June to 5 July in Lindau Germany.
The meeting is held every year in the lake town of Lindau in the south of Germany, and this year's meeting is taking place amid a scorching heatwave sweeping across Europe.
However, these unseasonably warm conditions have not deterred the seven young scientists from making connections with some of the world's most renowned scientists in the field of chemistry and physics.
"Honestly, Im actually so inspired! One thing I've noticed is a common trait amongst all of the Nobel laureates is how humble they are," says Taryn Golding, a final-year doctoral candidate in Chemistry at the University of Cape Town. The Nobel laureates are senior scientists who have each been awarded the Nobel Prize, the most prestigious recognition in science.
"They are not afraid to say, 'I actually dont know.' Or 'thats not my field.' And that is so refreshing, especially when youre in a time where everyone feels like they know everything," she said.
