Doctoral students selected for prestigious seminar during Nobel Week

Melina Sattelmeier and Alyssa Göransson, doctoral students at Luleå University of Technology, were selected in tough international competition to participate in the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar (SIYSS) 2024. The seminar, which takes place alongside Nobel Week, gave them the opportunity to present their research, inspire high school students, and meet Nobel laureates.

"It was an incredibly intense but also very exciting week. Getting to listen to the Nobel laureates' lectures and meeting young researchers from around the world was an amazing experience," says Alyssa Göransson, a doctoral student in energy engineering.

Each year, SIYSS gathers 25 young researchers from around the world for a week filled with seminars, meetings with Nobel laureates, and scientific communication. A key part of the program is that participants present their research to Swedish high school students, aiming to inspire more young people to pursue careers in science and technology. For Melina Sattelmeier, a doctoral student in fluid mechanics, meeting the students was a particularly meaningful part of the experience.

"My interest in research was sparked during high school, so it felt great to have the chance to give something back and perhaps inspire someone else to choose this path," she says.

Participants at the 2024 Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar. Melina Sattelmeier fifth from left in the top row and Alyssa Göransson third from left in the middle row.

Both Melina Sattelmeier and Alyssa Göransson also highlight the camaraderie with the other participants as one of the event’s highlights.

"I really appreciated the opportunity to get to know people from all over the world and was very impressed by the drive and passion of many of the participants. It was definitely inspiring to learn more about their projects," says Melina Sattelmeier.

Attending the Nobel Prize ceremony and the subsequent celebrations was, of course, an experience in itself.

"It was definitely a bucket list moment!" says Alyssa Göransson with a laugh.

• Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar External link.