Talented young SA scientists to attend prestigious Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting

20 June 2024

As the country marks Youth Month 2024, the Department of Science and Innovation is proud of eight young South African postgraduates who will attend the 73rd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting dedicated to physics. 

Taking place in Lindau, Germany, from 30 June to 5 July 2024, the conference hosts about 600 young scientists from around the world and 30 Nobel laureates.  The 2024 scientific programme will focus on three key themes: quantum physics and quantum technologies, physics-based solutions to the energy challenge, and artificial intelligence in physics.

The young students come from higher education institutions including the University of Venda, University of Cape Town (UCT), North-West University (NWU) and the University of South Africa (Unisa).  They are:

• Dr Bambesiwe Mbesi May, PhD graduate in Chemistry at Unisa.
• Mr Tsebesebe Nkgaphe Tebatjo, PhD candidate in biomedical engineering at UCT.
• Ms Sarah McKee, PhD candidate at NWU who is based at the South African National Space Agency.
• Dr Bertus Van Heerden, post-doctoral researcher in biophysics at the University of Pretoria.
• Ms Modjadji Rebecca Letsoalo, master’s student in physics, focusing on material sciences, at the University of Venda.
• Ms Anna Chrysostomou, PhD candidate in high-energy physics theory at the University of Johannesburg and the Claude Bernard University Lyon 1.
• Dr Mosima Bernice Kgomo, post-doctoral research fellow at Unisa.
• Ms Mosidi Mokoena, master’s candidate at UCT who is hosted by the biophotonics research group at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

Funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), and implemented by the DSI’s entity, the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) as the official partner of the Lindau Foundation, young scientists are nominated to attend the annual Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings.  The meetings are a forum for young scientists to engage substantively with Nobel Laureates on research and overall career management aspects.

Ahead of their departure next week, ASSAf is hosting a pre-travel event in Centurion on 20 and 21 June, where the eight young scientists will engage with alumni from previous meetings to learn from their experiences and the opportunities that arise through participating in these esteemed, life-changing meetings.  They will also receive training in science communication for effective communication of scientific information to non-specialist audiences.

The DSI Acting Director-General, Mr Daan du Toit, has expressed the Department’s immense pride in these eight exceptional young South, saying this was a remarkable achievement and a testament to the calibre of the country’s emerging scientific talent.

“The Lindau Meetings provide a unique opportunity for these young researchers to engage with Nobel laureates and fellow participants from around the world, fostering invaluable connections, exchanging ideas, and gaining insights from some of the brightest minds in science,” said Mr Du Toit.

He added that participation in such a globally renowned event highlights South Africa’s commitment to nurturing excellence in science and innovation, reinforcing the importance of investing in the next generation of scientists and supporting their endeavours to meaningfully contribute to society.

“Support for young South African scientists to participate in the Lindau Meetings and other international young scientists’ fora forms part of the Department’s strategic investment in science diplomacy capacities.  The connections that young South African scientists foster during these meetings will equip them well for future international collaborations and global knowledge networks, reinforcing global solidarity through science,” he said.

Issued by the Department of Science and Innovation.

For more information contact: Veronica Mohapeloa at veronica.mohapeloa@dst.gov.za