(From left) Dr Afifah, Dr Sok Kuan, Dr Yin How, Dr Liyana and Dr Norhasmira representing Malaysia at the 72nd Nobel Laureate Meetings in Lindau, Germany.
Five young scientists represented Malaysia at the prestigious 72nd Nobel Laureate Meetings in Lindau, Germany.
They were among 635 of the most promising young scientists selected globally who had the opportunity to interact directly with eminent Nobel Laureates in a meeting dedicated to Physiology or Medicine.
The five were Dr Liyana Azmi, 34 (Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia), Dr Norhasmira Mohammad, 33 (Universiti Teknologi Mara), Dr Wong Yin How, 35 (Taylors University), Dr Afifah Mohamed, 33, and Dr Wong Sok Kuan, 34 (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia).
The young scientists also had the opportunity to participate in lectures and open discussions as well as meet the Nobel Prize laureates at the “Laureate Lunch”.
About 40 Nobel Prize laureates participated in this programme, presented their research and shared their experiences with all the attending young scientists.
Once every year, around 30 to 40 Nobel Laureates convene in Lindau to meet the next generation of leading scientists from all over the world. This year, the scientific forum was held from June 25 to 30.
To date, 84 young Malaysian scientists, have taken part in the Nobel Laureate Meetings through the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) and the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) since 2004.
“Mosti emphasises the need to provide opportunities for young Malaysian scientists to participate in globally recognised programmes,” said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.
“These young scientists become valuable assets to the scientific community by sharing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
“This step is crucial to ensure that the new generation of scientists are equipped with relevant knowledge and skills to face future challenges,” he said.
“Malaysia’s participation in the Nobel Laureate Meetings is one of ASM’s efforts, through international collaboration, to empower young scientists by providing them with opportunities to collaborate with leading scientists worldwide.
“It also offers them valuable exposure, including opportunities to expand networks as well as share ideas, knowledge and research,” said ASM president Tengku Datuk Dr Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen, who also serves as the Science, Technology and Innovation advisor to the Prime Minister.
He said the programme was expected to inspire and motivate the participants to advance science and technology, thus positively impacting society.
ASM opened nominations for the 72nd Nobel Laureate Meetings to all young scientists from public and private universities nationwide and conducted an initial screening from Sept 21 to Oct 7 last year.
The Nobel Laureate Meetings committee made the final selection. Nominations for the programme are open annually, based on the designated field of science.
