Dr Rhiannon Edge from Lancaster Medical School says she has been inspired by attending the annual gathering of Nobel Laureates in Germany.

The invitation to join the 68th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting is aimed at outstanding young scientists below the age of 35.

Rhiannon was one of only 600 students, doctoral candidates and post doctoral researchers from 84 countries to be selected for this event, where she mingled with 43 Nobel Laureates including Harald Van Hausan, Peter Agre and Michael Rosbash.

She said: “For me one of the nicest things about Lindau is the opportunity to connect with the Nobel Laureates on a personal level. Sitting next to Michael Rosbash for dinner and discussing our mutual respect for the determination of sports-people was something quite surreal.

“During our time at Lindau the differences between the young scientists and the Nobel Laureates began to blur – they were sympathetic to many of the challenges facing those who are working in science.

“I think that this is important to take away from the meeting – even the pinnacle of scientific achievement can be reached and surpassed - not by heroes but by people, with a little hard work, luck, and an inquisitive mind.”

This year’s Lindau meeting was dedicated to physiology and medicine and enabled the young scientists to present their research to the Nobel Laureates and their colleagues.

“The young scientists were the very best thing about Lindau. Everyone I met was interesting, engaging, and enthusiastic. This made for an atmosphere of togetherness and scientific success that will stay with me for a very long time - as will the memories that I made at Lindau with my fellow young scientists.”