Dr Ryan Vella with Prof. Reinhard Genzel recipient of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics for his groundbreaking work on black holes
Dr Ryan Vella, an atmospheric and climate scientist, proudly represented the University of Malta at this year’s prestigious Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, held earlier this month in the picturesque town of Lindau, Germany. The annual event gathers Nobel Prize winners and a select group of outstanding young scientists from across the globe for a week of in-depth scientific exchange.
“Representing the University at such a globally renowned gathering was a true honour,” said Dr Vella. “Beyond the formal lectures and panels, it was common to see Nobel laureates informally sharing coffee and ideas with early-career researchers like myself. It was an incredibly inspiring experience.”
The 2025 edition of the Lindau Meetings focused on the field of chemistry and welcomed 33 Nobel Laureates, including renowned figures from physics, physiology or medicine, and interdisciplinary research. The meeting fostered an inclusive and dynamic environment, facilitating the exchange of ideas across scientific boundaries.
A standout moment for Dr Vella was a lunch discussion with Nobel laureate Prof. Reinhard Genzel, recipient of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics for his groundbreaking work on black holes. “ Prof. Genzel shared stories of his early inspirations, including his physicist father, and reminded us that while perseverance is essential, serendipity also plays a part in scientific breakthroughs,” Vella recalled.
Reflecting on the overall experience, Dr Vella described the opportunity to engage with both peers and pioneers in the scientific community as profoundly enriching. “Meeting researchers from such a broad range of disciplines made for incredibly thought-provoking discussions, even when our work was quite different.”
Dr Vella also highlighted the growing presence of Malta’s academic community at leading international platforms. “The University of Malta is gaining increasing recognition for the quality of its research. Participating in events like Lindau strengthens our international connections and creates new opportunities for collaboration.”
Dr Ryan Vella is currently a postdoctoral researcher at ETH Zurich. He completed his PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz, Germany, and holds a Master of Science in Geoscience as well as a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Malta.
