Special invite to mix with scientific elite

Jonathan Roberts, a Lancaster University Phd scholar, has been invited to the 66th Lindau Noble meeting.

This is the annual gathering of Nobel Laureates in Germany aimed at outstanding young scientists under the age of 35.

He is one of only 402 young scientists from 80 countries to be selected for this prestigious event which is dedicated to the field of physics.

Jonathan said: “It is an honour to be invited to such a prestigious event that so many exceptional scientists have attended before me.

“I am looking forward to meeting the Nobel Laureates and the other young scientists in attendance and share the passion we have for new and exciting science in a variety of disciplines.”

The PhD physics student is studying at Lancaster’s EPSRC NowNano Doctoral Training Centre.

He has previously won the 2015 UK ICT Pioneers competition for his research into nano-identification.

His invention uses next-generation quantum technology to uniquely identify any product.

There are plans to commercialise this through the Lancaster University spin out company Quantum Base with his supervisor Dr Robert Young.

Dr Young said: “Jonathan is rapidly developing into an outstanding physicist, and this is a fantastic opportunity for him to meet and mingle with world-leading scientists.”

His mentor added: “I’m delighted that he has been selected to be part of such a prestigious meeting.”

Besides the kudos associated with being invited to take part in the event, scientists say it can have a life-shaping affect on participants.

Since 1951, more than 350 recipients of the Nobel Prize have followed the annual invitation to meet the next generation of leading scientists at Lindau in Germany.

For early career researchers, it is regarded as a valuable opportunity to meet these role models and mentors, to seek their advice, to exchange thoughts and views, and to discuss current developments in science and beyond.

The meeting takes place in Germany from June 26-July 1.

As alumni of the Lindau Meetings, former participants remain in touch with each other and become ambassadors of the scientific dialogue fostered by the Lindau Meetings.