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Two UNSW Sydney chemists will attend the prestigious meeting which will take place in Lindau, Germany later this year.

Dr James Watson and Mr Damon de Clercq from the UNSW School of Chemistry have been selected to attend the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, where they will meet alongside some of the world’s brightest minds in science. 

The chemists, who are two of just 10 early career researchers from Australia to be invited, will join 600 young scientists from 84 countries. The gathering will take place in Germany, where they will be able to exchange ideas with 35 Nobel Laureates. 

Dr Watson works on designing new chemicals which help reduce carbon emissions and is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the School of Chemistry.

Mr de Clercq is completing his PhD, researching the best materials for use in next generation solar cell materials. 

Thousands of applications are submitted to the Lindau committee each year from all around the world. Australian universities and private companies are limited to two nominations each, and from those nominated, the Australian Academy of Science will put forward just 10 to the Lindau committee for final approval.

Dr Watson said it’s the first time UNSW has had both applications accepted. “I think it’s a massive testament to UNSW that both of our nominations were successful,” he said.

“It’s a massively competitive process even just at UNSW.”

UNSW Dean of Science, Scientia Professor Sven Rogge, said he was delighted to see two UNSW candidates selected.

“The Lindau Laureate Meeting is an incredibly prestigious event that offers early career researchers valuable opportunities for learning from Nobel Laureates, and becoming part of a global scientific community, fostering inspiration and motivation for their careers,” he said. 

“James Watson and Damon de Clercq’s selections are a testament to their dedication to their research, and I’m thrilled that they will have the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s leading scientists as well as sharing their own insights.”

Building collaborations across the globe

Mr de Clercq’s research focuses on understanding the energy flows of different materials using lasers, seeking to find a more efficient material for solar cells that go into solar panels.

When he received the email confirming his successful application, he said that he was over the moon. “We’re going to learn so much from everyone there,” he said. 

“We’re meeting 600 young scientists at the top of their game, so understanding the different chemistry problems they’re trying to tackle and how they approach it, might offer new insights into how we could approach our own research. It’s a really great opportunity.”

Dr Watson was equally thrilled when he learned he would be heading to Germany, and said the meeting is a huge opportunity for building networks globally. “It’s not just going there and learning about the science, but it’s making the connections with people there,” he said.

“It’s a phenomenal opportunity to go there and get to know other people from across the world. [Finding out] was absolutely brilliant and was the cherry on top of the cake for the whole week.” 

Dr Watson’s research aims to develop new catalysts for converting small molecules, such as CO2 and methane, into more sustainable products, an important part of the transition to reducing carbon emissions.

Lessons in sustainable chemistry

The summit offers a unique opportunity to hear from Nobel Laureates, as well as their peers across the globe, exploring a range of topics including sustainable chemistry, science integrity and how artificial intelligence can be used in chemistry.

“It’s the only conference of its type that exists where you have current scientific leaders and future scientific leaders gathered in one spot, discussing problems they’re facing and what they find interesting,” Dr Watson said.

The young scientists will spend the week before the meeting in Berlin, visiting labs and seeing how the industry and research is done there.

“The experience spans beyond just the Nobel Laureates educating us. We will also have the chance to educate them in new and exciting science problems that we’re trying to solve,” Dr Watson said.

The 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting will be held from June 30 to July 4. The UNSW researchers will be supported by the Science and Industry Endowment Fund administered by the Australian Academy of Science (AAS).