Opening Ceremony: Illustration of Grandeur & Splendor of Colorful Lindau!

We gathered through the scenic streets to the Bodensee where the sessions was going to be held in the Inselhalle. The meeting began in front of a packed audience in the Inselhalle. The region is known for apples and these grace the tables outside. Students and scholars from all nationalities are seen, eager to open their minds.

Countess Bettina Bernadotte, the President of the Council, opened the 59th Meeting of Nobel Laureates in Lindau, for the first time in her role as President of the Council after having taken over the office from Countess Sonja Bernadotte (1944–2008) in October of the previous year. In her opening speech, Countess Bernadotte emphasized the uniqueness of the Nobel Laureate Meetings: “It is about people, not papers”. The aim of the Lindau Meetings is to interest people in research and science as well as to inspire scientists and to bring them together from around the world.

Countess Bettina Bernadotte with all the Laureates presented the Meeting, 2009

Here is an interesting fact! One might watch curiously, who wear which colour around their neck. Which color do young researchers have? What does orange keychains mean? And most importantly: How could I recognize a Nobel laureate?

When the ceremony is officially opened by Countess Bettina Bernadotte, the view in the audience offered me a truly "colorful" picture. A lot had been said about the sense and meaning of the different keychain colors. These were the accreditation and release of the keychains. There are young researchers from many different countries, renowned scientists next to young students and press peoples as well. And as diverse the participants are, as colorful are their keychains on their neck!

To meet the answers to these questions, I got to know the Lindau Committee’s meticulous work plan. Finally, I figured out the color code of keychains, those were accredited to identify different groups attended the meeting.
And here comes the categories:
• Green is for members of the foundation and the curatorship as well as scientific leaders
• Black is for members of the administrative office
• White is for alumni
• Orange is for service providers
• Dark blue and red are for further guests
• Gray is for young researchers
• Light Blue is for laureates
• Yellow for the press

Finally, I cannot but mention that, among the many colored ribbons, there is only one category, which are invited to afternoon informal discussions with the laureates: the young researchers. Not only that, this ’gray’ sign was also complimentary ticket for several public services at Lindau for young researchers. What a privilege!!!