Malaysian Scientists Shine at Lindau 2025

Malaysia made its mark on the global scientific stage once again as three outstanding young scientists represented the nation at the 74^th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, held in Germany from 29 June to 4 July 2025. The annual gathering brought together Nobel Prize winners and the next generation of scientific minds, with this year’s focus on chemistry.

The meeting welcomed around 35 Nobel Laureates and more than 600 young scientists from 84 countries, offering a unique platform for cross-generational dialogue and collaboration.

Malaysia’s representatives were:

• Nur Diyan Mohd Ridzuan, PhD candidate in Applied Sciences by Research (Applied Chemistry) at Universiti Teknologi Petronas.
• Ts Dr Ana Masara Ahmad Mokhtar, Senior Lecturer at the Bioprocess Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
• ChM Dr Mak Kit Kay, Lecturer in the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, International Medical University of Malaysia.

Nur Diyan Mohd Ridzuan, PhD candidate in Applied Sciences by Research (Applied Chemistry) at Universiti Teknologi Petronas.

Ts Dr Ana Masara Ahmad Mokhtar, Senior Lecturer at the Bioprocess Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia.

ChM Dr Mak Kit Kay, Lecturer in the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, International Medical University of Malaysia.

For more than 70 years, the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings have provided an international platform for young scientists to interact with Nobel Laureates since its establishment in 1951.

Malaysia’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, described the event as a transformative opportunity for the nation’s rising talents. He said the participation reflected Malaysia’s commitment to Daya Cipta, one of the core values of the Malaysia MADANI framework. “By engaging with Nobel Laureates and global peers, our young scientists returned with knowledge and networks that amplify Malaysia’s scientific capabilities and global standing,” he added.

Echoing this sentiment, ASM President Academician Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen FASc said the consistent effort to send Malaysian scientists to the Lindau Meetings underscored ASM’s commitment to developing world-class talent. “Our young scientists had the opportunity to introduce their research and expertise, potentially opening doors to collaborations with scientists in world-class facilities,” he said, noting that many world-renowned scientists, including those in ASM’s Expert Network, attended Lindau in the early stages of their careers.

Throughout the week-long programme, participants engaged directly with Nobel Laureates in both formal and informal settings. The formats ranged from lectures showcasing pioneering research to interactive Agora Talks and panel discussions on pressing global challenges. The meeting also facilitated extensive networking, enabling young scientists to share their research and build meaningful collaborations across borders.

Since 2004, ASM has served as the official nominating body for Malaysia, identifying and putting forward promising candidates each year for evaluation by the Lindau Scientific Review Panel. With the inclusion of this year’s delegation, a total of 89 Malaysian scientists have participated in the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings.