Chemistry was the subject of the 63rd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting this summer, and there was no doubting the human chemistry on the tiny German island of Lindau. Participants were absorbed by the lectures and engaged in effervescent conversation in the atrium, with interactions catalysed by ancillary events. Many of the 34 Nobel laureates were making their second, third or umpteenth visit to the annual gathering, eager to be challenged by the young minds in attendance and inspired by the beautiful emerald-green waters of Lake Constance that surround Lindau. This year there was a non-scientific laureate in their number: Jose Ramos-Horta, joint recipient of the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize. Although peace prizewinners have attended the meeting before, this was the first time for the former Prime Minister of East Timor. This was also the first visit for Brian Kobilka, one of the newest laureates.
展开▼
