South African Rising Stars to Shine at Prestigious Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Economic Sciences
The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) is pleased to announce the selection of a 2025 cohort of outstanding young South African scientists who will represent the country at the 8th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting on Economic Sciences (#LINOecon), taking place in Lindau, Germany, from 26 to 30 August 2025. These individuals were chosen following a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process involving ASSAf, Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation, and the Council for the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, which annually brings together approximately 400 young scientists from around the world to engage in dialogue with Nobel Laureates.
The 8th Lindau Nobel Meeting in Economic Sciences will feature 20 Economics Laureates to exchange ideas with the next generation of leading Young Scientists from over 60 countries (including South Africa). The programme includes panel discussions on topics such as the stability of financial systems, climate change, and the role of institutions in economic development, as well as opportunities for young scientists to present their own research during the “Next Gen Science Sessions”. “The economics visual has been inspired by the 2024 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences, awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson. Their prize-winning contributions explore how (in their terminology) “inclusive” and “extractive” institutions influence economic prosperity. They shed new light on the difficult but momentous question of how history and institutions shape economic growth and long-term living standards” (https://mediatheque.lindau-nobel.org/meetings/2025-econ).
As the official partner of the Lindau Foundation, and with support from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), ASSAf has the honour of annually nominating exceptional early-career researchers to participate in this prestigious international forum. The Lindau Meetings provide a unique platform for young scientists to interact with Nobel Laureates, fostering discussions on cutting-edge research and career development, and addressing the most pressing global challenges in economic sciences.
In preparation for the meeting, ASSAf will organise a pre-travel engagement for the selected South African participants, which will include a science communication workshop and outreach activities. ASSAf and the DSTI extend their heartfelt congratulations to the following young South African scientists chosen for this remarkable opportunity to contribute to and learn from the global scientific community:
Dr Unathi Thango
Dr Thango is an early-career researcher with a focus on lean manufacturing, quality management, and organisational efficiency in the public sector. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Management Studies from the University of South Africa (UNISA).
Ms Nyemwererai Blessing Matshaka
Ms Matshaka is a PhD candidate in Economics at the University of Pretoria. Her research focuses on macroeconomic policy in an unequal society, with a particular interest in monetary and fiscal policy, inequality, and innovation.
Dr Ifeoma Anthonia Iwegbunam
Dr Iwegbunam graduated with a PhD in Economics from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. She is currently a research fellow, and her fields of interest include monetary policy, fiscal policy, international trade, and public finance.
Ms Letshego Mancoe
Ms Mancoe is a PhD candidate in Economics at the University of Pretoria. Her research explores the dynamics of intergenerational mobility, focusing on how socio-economic and cultural factors influence educational outcomes across generations in Africa.
ENDS
For more information contact:
Dr Tozama Qwebani, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Henriette Wagener This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
