Three young Malaysian scientists head to Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, joining 600 peers worldwide

KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 — Three young scientists have been selected to represent the country at the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, which is being held in Lindau, Germany, from June 28 to July 3.

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti), in a statement today, announced that the selected representatives are Department of Pharmacology lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Dr Nur Liyana Mohammed Yusof, 34; postdoctoral research fellow at the Department of Physics, Universiti Malaya (UM), Dr Pershaanaa K. Manogran, 29; and postdoctoral fellow at UM Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Dr Ruth Naomi Manuel, 31.

According to the ministry, Dr Nur Liyana’s research focuses on myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury, cardioprotection and novel therapeutic strategies for acute myocardial infarction, while Dr Pershaanaa specialises in high-performance electrode materials and integrated energy harvesting-storage systems for next-generation hybrid supercapacitors.

Meanwhile, Dr Ruth’s research centres on obesity, the gut-brain axis, neuroscience and computational modelling to better understand how metabolic disorders and environmental factors influence brain function, cognition and behaviour.

According to Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang, Malaysia’s participation in global scientific platforms such as the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting reflects the government’s commitment to nurturing future-ready talent in line with the aspirations of the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030).

“The 13th Malaysia Plan places strong emphasis on developing future-ready talent across the learning continuum, including through greater exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), digital skills and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

“Participation in programmes such as the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting provides our young scientists with global exposure, networks and perspectives that are essential to strengthening innovation, national competitiveness and high-value growth,” he said.

Meanwhile, Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) president and Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Adviser to the Prime Minister, Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen, described the programme as an important platform to cultivate scientific leadership and strengthen Malaysia’s research ecosystem.

“By connecting our young scientists with Nobel Laureates and peers from around the world, we are enabling Malaysian talent to engage in high-level scientific exchange, build meaningful collaborations and contribute to solutions for complex global and national challenges,” he said.

The Malaysian delegates will join more than 600 young scientists and about 75 Nobel Laureates worldwide for the interdisciplinary anniversary edition of the meeting, themed around Resilience, Information, Integrity and Life, reflecting how today’s scientific challenges increasingly transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries.

To date, 92 Malaysian scientists have participated through ASM nominations, placing Malaysia within the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting’s global network of more than 200 academic partners and leading scientific institutions.

Organised annually by the Council for the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, the programme offers emerging researchers opportunities to engage directly with Nobel Laureates through lectures, Nobel Hours, Science Walks, Laureate Lunches, workshops, Next Gen Science sessions, panel discussions and networking activities that encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and international engagement. — Bernama