Heidelberg(Germany), Sept. 18, 2025 (NAN) The Heidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation (HLFF) has reiterated its commitment to ensuring global representation of young scientists, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
Executive Director and Board Member of HLFF, Agnes Szmolenszky, told NAN in Heidelberg that the Forum provides equal opportunities for budding researchers to connect, learn and collaborate.
She said that at the HLFF annual forum that the opportunities are open also to young persons from Africa and other parts of the Global South.
“For us, the Forum connects young scientists from across the world. We don’t see a difference between North and South; our aim is true global representation,” she said.
Szmolenszky said HLFF offers travel grants to enable young researchers from underfunded institutions to participate.
She stressed that the support ensures financial constraints do not hinder access to the world-class scientific exchange.
Speaking on the relevance of the 2025 hot top, Machine Learning Revolution, she described the Forum as an “amazing opportunity” for young scientists from developing regions to step into global research networks.
“It’s an inspiring start for them. They can connect, become part of our strong alumni community, and remain members for life.
“We also provide mentoring services to guide them on establishing research careers and securing opportunities,” she said.
She stated that the Forum is more than a one-off conference, noting that it promotes long-term collaboration and scientific enthusiasm among both researchers and the younger generation.
“Wherever you are, you can be an ambassador for science, and that plays a huge role in shaping the future,” she said.
Szmolenszky said that the alumni were encouraged to join projects or propose initiatives within the HLFF community in order to keep the momentum of scientific collaboration alive. (NAN)
