According to the memorandum of cooperation signed between the Sino-German Center for Research Promotion and the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings Foundation, since 2004, the Sino-German Center for Research Promotion has annually selected outstanding doctoral students in China. These students are sponsored to attend the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting held in Germany. So far, this initiative has consecutively organized 72 sessions. The theme of the 2023 meeting is Physiology/Medicine. There are a total of 30 slots for doctoral students nationwide, with 5 medical field doctoral students from Shanghai Jiao Tong University being selected. They attended the meeting in Lindau, Germany from June 25th to 30th, 2023, engaging in face-to-face exchanges with Nobel Laureates and gaining valuable insights.
Xu Weimin: Keen Observer, Resisting the Current
Xu Weimin, a doctoral student in surgery at the affiliated Xinhua Hospital of the School of Medicine, Class of 2021, demonstrated his ability to discover and resist the mainstream during the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. He engaged in close exchanges with over 40 Nobel laureates and young scholars from around the world, forming connections with like-minded friends during the learning process. Xu highlighted the significant benefits he gained from conversations with Professor Avram Hershko, the discoverer of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. He highly endorsed and humbly accepted the professor's advice, emphasizing that young researchers should not blindly follow trends in their research topics, as chance discoveries often hold the key. In his future research, Xu intends to further expand his investigative approach, delving comprehensively into the biological processes of inflammation-cancer development. This includes predicting risk factors for tumor occurrence, studying the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of cancer genes, and exploring the inflammation-cancer transformation process. Additionally, he aims to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and actively engage in the clinical translation of basic research.
Gu Shuchen: Never Give Up, Persistence is Victory
Gu Shuchen, a doctoral student in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Ninth People's Hospital affiliated with the School of Medicine, Class of 2022, conducted an academic visit in Germany to Bonn, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, and Tübingen as part of a delegation. During the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, she listened to Nobel laureates share their research achievements and experiences. What impressed her the most was the process recounted by Professor Charles Rice in the discovery of the hepatitis C virus. Despite decades of challenges and failures, he never gave up on his research. This perseverance greatly inspired her as she embarked on her journey in scientific research. Additionally, Gu mentioned that various activities during the meeting provided opportunities for participants to meet outstanding young scientists from around the world. Exchange of experiences in scientific research, personal insights into career planning, and potential collaborations in the future were valuable treasures gained from this academic visit.
Qian Yuqin: Daring to Explore, The Ocean of Learning Knows No Boundaries
Qian Yuqin, a doctoral student in neurology at Ruijin Hospital affiliated with the School of Medicine, Class of 2020, represented China at the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany. She expressed that the most uplifting experience was her close interaction with her academic idol, neuroscientist Edvard I. Moser. Professor Moser spoke highly of Chinese students and encouraged her to dare to explore, continuously pushing the frontiers of science. Moreover, she engaged in discussions with participants from various disciplines, sharing their academic research interests, sparking inspiration, and creating possibilities for collaboration. She described participating in the Lindau Meeting as completing an interesting and challenging project, significantly broadening her academic perspective, enhancing her ability to communicate academically, and fostering a more confident, independent, calm, and relaxed mindset. She deeply felt that the academic journey is endless and pledged to maintain connections with young scientists, actively participating in international cooperation and exchange.
Chen Qian: Preserve Passion, Embark on the Scientific Ideal
Chen Qian, an Honors Ph.D. student from the School of Medicine, Class of 2020, expressed during her academic visit in Germany that it was one of the most unforgettable experiences in her life. Collaborative exchanges and talent cultivation in various research centers, the scientific ideals and academic enthusiasm of many scientific giants, and open communication with young peers all left a profound impression on her. The visit inspired her enthusiasm and longing for in-depth scientific research in various research centers in Germany. The speeches of outstanding scientists and Nobel laureates from around the world at the meeting touched her love and pursuit of science. Throughout the process, she witnessed the power and impact of science, realizing deeply the tremendous contributions scientists make to human progress. Besides interacting with Nobel laureates, Chen believed that meeting many outstanding young researchers from both home and abroad was also a valuable experience. The spirit of scholars in seeking knowledge and exploration ignited her passion and pursuit of scientific research, providing her with deeper reflections on the path of future career development.
Qimangu·Saiding: Deepening Communication, Seeking Common Progress
Qimangu·Saiding, a Ph.D. student in Clinical Medicine from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Class of 2021, established profound friendships with outstanding scholars from around the world during her exchange visit. She fully utilized the language environment and academic resources, participating in various forms of academic exchange activities to enhance her international perspective. She stated that through face-to-face communication with academic masters and Nobel laureates, she gained a deeper understanding of the breadth and challenges of the academic world. This experience also strengthened her interest and enthusiasm for academic research. The insights, research achievements, and academic perspectives of the scholars had a significant inspiring effect on her thinking and research direction. She will continue to strive for learning and exploration, achieving better results in her research field, and working collaboratively with peers in the academic community to promote academic progress and innovation.
The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany provides an excellent academic exchange platform for students to broaden their perspectives by standing on the shoulders of giants. Participants have the unique opportunity to interact directly with Nobel laureates, engage with outstanding researchers from around the world, stay informed about the latest developments in research, clarify their thoughts, and expand their horizons. This experience can have a profound impact on the academic development of students, holding significant importance. We look forward to more outstanding doctoral students joining in the future, exploring the world and soaring in the ocean of knowledge.