One unforgettable week among the brightest minds

The meeting has a very broad and intense agenda, with every day full of different scientific activities. In the morning, we had lectures by the Nobel laureates, followed by agora talks - a new format where a Nobel laureate gives a short lecture followed by a discussion session. In the afternoon, we followed panel discussions and had a unique opportunity to ask Nobel laureates any question in the open exchange sessions. Even the meals were scientific! Science breakfasts, lunches with Nobel laureates, and open panel dinners. What a week!

Another very memorable experience was a Zeppelin flight over beautiful lake Constance and Lindau island with the Nobel laureate Brian Schmidt. Zeppelin-NT is a unique airship that flies very smoothly and can even park in the air. These special features make it a perfect airship for atmospheric and oceanic research. Prof. Burkard Baschek from the Helmholtz Association taught us about his expedition Clockwork Ocean and shared the first findings. It was also a wonderful opportunity to ask Nobel laureate Brian Schmidt about his work as a scientist and his role as the vice chancellor of Australian National University in a less formal atmosphere.

At the end of the week, we celebrated the diversity of this unique meeting with a Bavarian night where people wore national costumes. Being originally from Russia, I chose to wear a dress that has a style and design of famous Russian blue-and-white porcelain, called “Gzhel”.

In summary, the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting was most certainly the most inspiring, educational and unforgettable experience of my scientific career and life so far. I am very grateful to ETH Zurich and in particular to Prof. Kurt Wüthrich for nominating me and providing me with such a unique opportunity.