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Three young Malaysian scientists have been selected to represent the country at the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, taking place in Lindau, Germany, from 28 June to 3 July
In a statement, the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) announced that the three outstanding researchers will represent Malaysia at the prestigious international scientific forum.
The representatives are:
– Dr Nur Liyana Mohammed Yusof, 34, of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM),
– Dr Pershaanaa K Manogran, 29, of Universiti Malaya (UM), and
– Dr Ruth Naomi Manuel, 31, also of Universiti Malaya (UM).
From left: Dr Pershaanaa K Manogran, Dr Nur Liyana Mohammed Yusof, and Dr Ruth Naomi Manuel.
Image via Akademi Sains Malaysia (Facebook)Held annually, the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting brings together Nobel laureates and approximately 600 of the world's most promising young scientists, including undergraduate, master's, and PhD students, as well as postdoctoral researchers
This year's 75th edition is a special anniversary meeting, connecting around 70 Nobel Laureates with the next generation of scientists from across the globe.
While the meeting typically rotates between the Nobel Prize disciplines of Physics, Chemistry, and Physiology/Medicine, this year's edition is interdisciplinary and centred on four interconnected themes: Resilience, Information, Integrity, and Life — reflecting how today's scientific challenges increasingly span multiple fields.
The 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting focused on Chemistry.
Image via University of FreiburgMeet the representatives
Nur Liyana is a lecturer in the Department of Pharmacology at UKM's Faculty of Medicine. Her research focuses on protecting the heart from damage caused by heart attacks and exploring new treatments to improve patient recovery.
"I feel deeply honoured and excited by the opportunity to attend this meeting preclinically. Coming from Malaysia and pursuing cardiovascular research with global clinical relevance, I see this meeting as a rare opportunity to learn directly from some of the world's most inspiring scientific minds," she said.
Pershaanaa is a postdoctoral research fellow in UM's Department of Physics. She specialises in advanced materials for next-generation energy storage, with research aimed at developing materials and systems that capture, store, and release energy more efficiently.
Commenting on her selection, she said, "It has always been my dream to meet Nobel Laureates and, one day, become a scientist who contributes meaningfully to society and the global scientific community."
Meanwhile, Ruth is a postdoctoral fellow at UM's Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences. Her research explores how obesity, gut health, and environmental factors influence the brain, cognition, and behaviour.
"This is a valuable opportunity to learn from Nobel Laureates and connect with outstanding young scientists worldwide. I look forward to exchanging ideas, building collaboration, and gaining new inspiration for my work in neuroscience and human health," she shared.
Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang said Malaysia's participation in the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting reflects the nation's commitment to nurturing future-ready talent
"Participation in programmes such as this gives our young scientists global exposure, networks, and perspectives that are essential to strengthening innovation, national competitiveness, and high-value growth," he said.
Meanwhile, ASM president and Science, Technology, and Innovation Adviser to the Prime Minister, Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen, said the academy sees the programme as an important platform for developing scientific leadership and strengthening Malaysia's research capabilities.
"By connecting our young scientists with Nobel Laureates and peers from around the world, we are enabling Malaysian talent to take part in high-calibre scientific exchange, build meaningful collaboration, and contribute to solutions for complex global and national challenges," he said.
The academy added that, to date, 92 Malaysian scientists have participated in the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings through its nominations since 2004.
