Stony Brook University graduate student Paul Lawrence was one of eighteen outstanding American research participants selected by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) to attend the 53rd‘ international convention of Nobel Laureates.’ Lawrence, who is conducting research at the DOE’s Brookhaven Labs, attended this prestigious event which took place inLindau,Germanybetween June 30 and July 4.’ ‘
“I’m overwhelmed and excited about this remarkable opportunity to interact with Nobel Laureates and to meet other graduate students from across theUnited Statesand around the world,” saidLawrencebefore departing for the convention. “I’m very grateful to the Department of Energy for offering me this incredible experience.”
Lawrence, a Ph.D. candidate in molecular genetics and microbiology, is investigating various types of protein-protein interactions under the guidance of Paul Freimuth of the Biology Department of Brookhaven Labs.’ These protein-protein interactions are hoped to yield new approaches for protein imaging or drug delivery in the future.’
“Paul has a lively and inquiring mind,” said Freimuth, who insisted thatLawrencewas the perfect candidate to attend the Nobel Laureates’ meeting. “He is a representative of the very best young scientists anywhere that are involved in DOE-supported research.”
At the meeting, Lawrence interacted with the other American candidates representing such institutions as Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine and the University of Arizona.’ In addition, 400 international students also attended the convention, where Nobel Laureates in chemistry, physics and physiology/medicine have convened annually since 1951, hosting an open forum with students and young researchers from around the world on topics relating to biology and medicine.
Participants first traveled to a meeting on June 27 at DOE headquarters inWashington,D.C. , before departing forGermany.’ On June 29, students toured the historic city ofLindaubefore convening for the meeting the following day.’ Lectures were held on several topics, including biochemistry, biotechnology and biophysics, while informal roundtable discussions also took place. Closing ceremonies were held on July 4 on the Isle of Mainau, where theMainauCastleis located.’ The castle is the residence of Swedish patron Count Lennart Bernadotte, who began the Nobel Laureates program in 1951.‘
Travel arrangements were administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, which is managed by ORAU in conjunction with the DOE.’ More information on the Nobel Laureates’ convention, including photos and a summary of events, can be found at http://www.orau.gov/orise/edu/lindau2003.
