MPI-FKF Scientists in the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting 2026

Two researchers from the Nanochemistry Department at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research were chosen from among 636 young scientists worldwide to take part in a week-long scientific exchange with some of the world’s leading scientists. 

Stuttgart/Lindau – Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Rath, a postdoctoral scientist, and Kristina Gjorgjevikj, a PhD student in the Nanochemistry Department at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research (MPI-FKF), Stuttgart, were selected to attend this year’s 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. The interdisciplinary meeting took place in Lindau, Germany, from 28 June to 3 July 2026 and brought together about 75 Nobel Laureates and 636 outstanding young scientists from around the world for a vibrant scientific exchange.

For 75 years, the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings have fostered scientific exchange across generations, disciplines, and cultures. The 75th Lindau Meeting followed this great tradition, as it was an interdisciplinary gathering spanning physics, chemistry, and physiology/medicine, centered on the theme "Science Transcending Borders". The goal of the meeting is to create a space in which scientists from a broad range of fields and geographical locations can meet to discuss and address today's complex, interconnected challenges.

The panel discussions covered a wide variety of topics, from addressing issues related to global health to discussing the ethical complexities and enormous opportunities connected to artificial intelligence, while also touching on important themes such as the role of scientific integrity and, of course, quantum technologies.
Acknowledging the political tensions affecting the world, participants at the meeting called for an expansion of the Mainau Declaration on Nuclear Weapons, an appeal against the use of nuclear weapons initiated and drafted by the German nuclear scientists Otto Hahn and Max Born in 1955.

The Max Planck Society also hosted a special dinner that brought together attendees from multiple Max Planck Institutes, highlighting the multifacetedness of its research programs and fostering meaningful networking opportunities.

About Bibhuti Bhusan Rath

Bibhuti investigates sustainable organic materials for efficient solar energy conversion and storage with a focus on developing organic solar batteries. By elucidating the fundamental mechanisms of charge transport and storage, his work guides design and device fabrication, advancing next-generation renewable energy solutions.   

“As a chemist, I work at the interface of chemistry, material science, and physics to tackle energy and environmental challenges. The Lindau meeting was a unique opportunity to engage with the brightest scientific minds, promote cross-disciplinary exchanges, and advance fundamental science toward global solutions. It was heartening to exchange ideas with fellow early career researchers and to learn from Nobel Laureates. I am deeply honored to be nominated by the Max Planck Society and grateful for the support of my advisors." says Bibhuti. 

Before joining MPI-FKF, Bibhuti earned his PhD from the National University of Singapore, and completed his master’s degree in chemistry at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. He has received several honors and distinctions, including a Mitacs Globalink Research Award, nomination for the Global Young Scientist Summit, an Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship, and the Rising Star Award from the Asian Crystallographic Association. 

About Kristina Gjorgjevikj

Kristina focuses on the synthesis and characterization of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and on investigating their robust dynamic behavior. Using Raman spectroscopy, she also probes molecular mechanisms across diverse classes of solid-state materials. 

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to attend the Lindau Meeting, where I could interact directly with two Nobel laureates whose work is central to my PhD research (Prof. Omar Yaghi and Prof. Ben Feringa). Beyond the excellent panel discussions and group activities, the personal journeys shared by the laureates were inspiring, as all of them emphasized the importance of curiosity-driven fundamental research. I am grateful to the Carl Zeiss Foundation for the nomination and to my supervisors for their support.” says Kristina.
Prior to joining MPI-FKF, Kristina completed her master’s degree at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, and received gold medals in both her bachelor’s and master’s studies for earning the university’s highest GPA.