Banting Fellows and Vanier Scholars to attend the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting

Four outstanding NSERC supported researchers were among the 600 young scientists from around the world who spent a week with more than 30 Nobel Laureates at the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany from June 29 to July 4, 2025. Participants were able to exchange ideas, discuss projects and build international networks around this year’s topic, which was dedicated to the field of Chemistry. For young scientists standing at the beginning of their careers, it is a valuable opportunity to meet these undisputed role models and mentors, to seek their advice, to exchange thoughts and views, and to discuss current developments in science and beyond.
Our congratulations go to the four recipients nominated by NSERC who were accepted by the Lindau scientific review panel to attend this prestigious event: Katrina Bergmann (Vanier Canada Graduate Scholar), Adam Cook (Banting Postdoctoral Researcher), Élodie d'Astous (Vanier Canada Graduate Scholar), Joseph Zurakowski (Vanier Canada Graduate Scholar).
Katrina Bergmann

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to attend the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting and am excited to connect with scientists from all over the world and at all stages of their careers. I hope to learn from their diverse perspectives and experiences, and look forward to discussing the future of chemistry, including critical research priorities and key challenges in the field, as well as strategies for fostering a more supportive and collaborative scientific community.”
Katrina describes her research as follows: “I study the mechanisms of light emission in complex materials and use computational methods to design improved materials for applications in catalysis, bioimaging, and display technologies.”
Adam Cook

“What an opportunity, and a privilege, it is to be nominated to attend such a fascinating event. On the banks of Lindau, I look forward to learning more about the steps that I can take as a young scientist to make a lasting impact on our world from a group of like-minded scientists with similar goals. Sharing the same island with thirty-five Nobel Laureates and six hundred of the top scientists from around the world - I cannot imagine a better place to grow ideas. Not to mention, the German beer!”
Adam describes his research as follows: “I believe that science should be performed in a translational, interdisciplinary nature if we are to solve the true problems of the world. My present research seeks to leverage the synthetic chemistry skillset that I developed during my PhD to develop molecular transporters for the safe and efficacious delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics, small molecules, and inorganic catalysts into living systems. Aside, I contribute towards the synthesis of novel molecules to address medical problems of global significance including multiple sclerosis, cancer immunotherapy, HIV, and antibiotic-resistant infectious diseases.”
Élodie d'Astous

“I am extremely grateful to take part in the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate meeting. I am thrilled to exchange and learn from the scientists that have shaped the 21st century. I wish to use this opportunity to meet like-minded young scientists that want to build a better world”
Élodie describes her research as follows: “My research focus is to enhance the efficiency and safety of diagnosis for patients using electrochemical DNA-based sensors.”
Joseph Zurakowski

“I am truly honored to attend the 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Chemistry. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn from some of the greatest minds in science and to connect with brilliant young researchers from around the world. I am looking forward to the ideas, the energy, and the conversations that will shape the future of chemistry – and deepen my commitment to advancing the field.”
Joseph describes his research as follows: “My research explores new metal-containing molecules to improve chemical reactions and build useful compounds.”
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