As an aquatic ecologist, Dr Fannie Masina of the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) took a greater academic interest in the picture-postcard setting than most of the other 599 early career scientists who attended the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany from 28 June to 3 July 2026. The bespoke Lindau Meetings have since 1951 brought together young researchers with Nobel Prize winners on Lindau, the second largest island on Lake Constance. At its widest point, this 540-square kilometre freshwater body measures 14 kilometres, and is 250 metres deep in some places. Lake Constance is the largest inland lake in Germany and the third-largest body of water of its kind in Central Europe.

“As a freshwater ecologist, I saw more than just a beautiful lake. I saw a living ecosystem that supports biodiversity, provides water, offers recreational opportunities, and contributes to people’s livelihoods. It reminded me that freshwater ecosystems are incredibly valuable and deserve continued research and protection,” reflects Dr Masina, who recently completed his PhD degree as part of UMP’s Aquatic Systems Research Group, studying aquatic biodiversity, freshwater ecosystems, and the impact of invasive species and humans on water sources.

During the 2026 Lindau Meeting, he enjoyed spending time admiring Lake Constance during breaks or on his way to attend scheduled sessions. Such downtime was important, as it was an intense, jam-packed week in the medieval town of Lindau.

Dr Masina says the week showed him how diverse yet connected the global scientific community is. Researchers from 88 countries attended the Meeting, which provides a global forum for scientific exchange and international cooperation. It provided emerging scientists with unprecedented access to some 70 Nobel Laureates from various disciplines, through panel sessions, lunch hour sessions, science walks and informal chats over coffee or dinner.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity,” says the young researcher whose attendance at #LINO75 was supported by the Academy of Science of South Africa, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the AKB Stiftung. “It gave me a chance to learn from some of the world’s most respected scientists, meet other young researchers, and build international connections. It was an honour to represent South Africa and share the work we are doing here with the global scientific community.”

“I enjoyed meeting Nobel Laureates whose work advanced our understanding of the natural world and contributed to solving global challenges. While my research is rooted in aquatic ecology and biodiversity conservation, I was excited to engage with scientists from a range of disciplines, especially those working in environmental sciences, chemistry, and physiology. I learnt about their career journeys, challenges, and perspectives on the future of science,” Dr Masina reflects.

One of his highlights was meeting Prof Randy W. Schekman, the 2013 Nobel Prize winner in Physiology or Medicine, during a science walk with a small group of only ten young researchers across Lindau Island. “The setting allowed for meaningful conversations, and his advice really stayed with me. He encouraged us to tackle important scientific problems that have not yet been solved, stay focused despite having many ideas, and be willing to take educated risks in research,” says Dr Masina.

Another memorable session was the frank lecture of Prof Katalin Karikó, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2023 for discoveries that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against Covid-19. She shared the many obstacles she faced during her career, and how she learnt to handle stresses such as losing her job several times and having to move from her beloved Hungary to the USA to further her work.

Dr Masina shared informal moments with her during the Meeting: “I enjoyed meeting Prof Karikó. Her journey of perseverance and dedication was incredibly motivating. She reminded us that setbacks are part of the scientific process and that believing in your work and remaining persistent can eventually lead to discoveries that make a real difference.”

Another photograph he will treasure was taken while he was getting an autograph from Prof Omar Yaghi, winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2025 for the development of metal-organic frameworks.

“He encouraged us to always distinguish between fact and fiction and to verify the information we read. As a young researcher, I found that to be a simple but powerful reminder of the importance of critical thinking,” says Dr Masina.

He says events like the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting are important because they bring together scientists from different countries and backgrounds to learn from one another and share ideas.

“They inspire young researchers and create opportunities for future collaborations,” he adds.

“It is important for South African young scientists to attend because it allows us to showcase the quality of research being done in our country while learning from some of the best scientists in the world. Coming from South Africa, where we face many environmental and conservation challenges, I see this as an opportunity to learn from others and bring those lessons back home. Experiences like this help to strengthen our country’s science, innovation, and research capacity,” he notes.

And if he, too, could dream of one day being awarded a Nobel Prize, in which field would it be?

“If I were fortunate enough to contribute to work worthy of a Nobel Prize, I would hope it would be for research that helps protect biodiversity and freshwater ecosystems. Freshwater systems are among the most threatened ecosystems on Earth, yet they are essential for both people and nature. Contributing knowledge that leads to meaningful conservation outcomes and sustainable management of these resources would be an achievement I would be incredibly proud of,” Dr Masina dreams.

Dr Masina received his PhD in Freshwater Ecology from the University of Mpumalanga earlier this year, following his assessment of the extent, effects, and management strategies for aquatic invasive alien species in protected areas. His PhD studies took him to protected areas within Mpumalanga such as the Barberton Nature Reserve, Songimvelo Nature Reserve, Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve, Sterkspruit Nature Reserve, the Lowveld National Botanical Garden (LNBG), and some South African National Parks (SANParks).

“I am deeply grateful to my mentor and academic supervisor, Prof Tatenda Dalu, now of Stellenbosch University, for his guidance, encouragement, and continuous support to help me grow as a scientist,” he adds.

He matriculated in 2015 from Chief Jerry Secondary School in Mooiplaas, Mpumalanga, and subsequently completed a BSc degree in Agriculture (2020), a MSc in Science (Aquatic Ecology, 2022) at the University of Mpumalanga.