24 Hours: Dr. Sarah Martell

Dr. Sarah Martell (PhD’23) documents a day attending this summer’s 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting (Chemistry) in Germany, a global gathering connecting Nobel Prize winners and young scientists.

DAL MAGAZINE

Photos supplied by Sarah Martell

Fall 2025 issue

Sarah Martell standing in front of event signage wearing a nametag on a lanyard.

This summer, Dr. Sarah Martell (PhD’23) attended the in Germany, a prestigious gathering of 33 Nobel Prize winners and 600 young scientists from around the world.

Dr. Martell, a clean energy researcher and the program manager of the Department of Chemistry’s , takes us through a busy day of the week-long event.

7 a.m.

My day starts with a breakfast panel discussion on chemistry’s role in health and nutrition. Perhaps ironically, I also eat the best croissant I’ve ever tasted.

Sarah Martell standing in front of event signage wearing a nametag on a lanyard and giving two thumbs up.

9 a.m.

The morning is filled with short lectures from various Nobel Laureates. If there is a common sentiment, it’s serendipity — important discoveries in research often happen by accident.

1 p.m.

Over lunch, I get to know Laureate , who takes a few young scientists to a nearby restaurant. He is very open and relatable — a reminder that while we build Laureates up as icons in their field, they are ultimately just people. I also briefly introduce myself to , the lone woman Laureate in attendance.

3 p.m.

I’m happy to have been chosen to present at the “New Frontiers in Chemical Research” Next Gen Science Session. Though allotted just six minutes, my talk on designing materials for chemical hydrogen storage that can release hydrogen fuel using any water source goes smoothly.

Afterward, a young scientist tells me he noticed a Laureate taking a picture of my slide — apparently, they didn’t do that for anyone else! Many fellow Canadians also introduce themselves after seeing my affiliation.

Martell on stage at a podium speaking into a microphone and gesturing with her hands.

5 p.m.

I really enjoy these “open exchanges,” unstructured discussion periods between Laureates and young scientists. Science, politics, philosophy — no topic is off limits. I appreciate that the Laureates offer advice and encourage us to get out of our comfort zones.

7 p.m.

Dinner is a chance to relax and mingle with other scientists from around the world. I’ve met so many new people — my network has grown exponentially. Surrounded by Lake Constance, Lindau is a popular tourist spot, so as I’ve done every day, I visit one of the island’s many ice cream shops and go for an evening swim.

A group of people seated for a casual dinner at a long table in a restaurant among other tables.

10:30 p.m.

I’m ready for bed after a long day!

A scenic view of Lindau Island in Germany.

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