Wits student selected for prestigious Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany
- Wits University
Wits PhD student Funeka Nkosi, is among five young SA scientists nominated to participate in the 67th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Lindau, Germany.
Nkosi was nominated by Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSA). The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings foster an exchange of knowledge between the Lindau Laureates and talented young scientists of different discipline. The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings have been held annually in Germany since 1951.
Nkosi will join 400 other young scientists under-35-years from 76 countries conducting research in the field of chemistry.
ASSAf as the official partner of the Lindau Foundation and with funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) annually nominate young scientists to attend the meetings which are designed as a forum for exchange, networking and inspiration.
This year, the meeting will take place from 25 – 30 June 2017 with a total of 31 laureates expected to partake.
Nkosi’s PhD research, sponsored by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, focuses on improving the performance of lithium-ion batteries (Lithium-ion batteries are batteries found in cellphones, laptops and cameras), to make them last a bit longer.
She is looking forward to meet Nobel Laureates in Chemistry and to expand her research networks for potential collaborations. 
“I am really excited and it’s a dream come true. I just cannot wait to attend the meeting,” enthuses Nkosi.
“I hope my participation in this meeting will result in the development of meaningful research networks that will also foster collaborations in integrated science research. These collaborations will also contribute to the advancement of my research and ultimately help in building partnerships and relationships with international scientists. Attending this meeting will therefore allow me a rare opportunity to be part of a scientific community of high calibre scientists for which it is guaranteed that this will help me grow as a young emerging researcher and scientists,” she says.
The proportion of women among the selected young scientists is 45 percent. “For the field of chemistry, that is a substantial number”, says Wolfgang Lubitz, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, Vice-President of the Council for the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings and Scientific Co-chairperson of this year’s meeting.
ASSAf Executive Officer, Prof. Roseanne Diab, also welcomed the increased number of women participants. “ASSAf is committed to promoting women in science activities and highlighting the importance of applying a gender lens in activities that it undertakes. The Lindau Nobel Laureate programme presents a unique opportunity for young women to meet and interact with Nobel Laureates,” she says.