Heidelberg Laureate Forum 2024

I was invited again to attend the Heidelberg Laureate Forum (HLF) but this time as an HLF Alumni to conduct the FailForward workshop with the young researchers.

HLF is a annual networking conference attended by the recipients of the Abel Prize, ACM A.M. Turing Award, ACM Prize in Computing, Fields Medal, IMU Abacus Medal and Nevanlinna Prize (see full list of HLF 2024 attendees here). This year HLF invited back some of its Alumni, one from each discipline from past 10 years to contribute to the program and mentor young researchers during the event.

The FailForward workshop emphasized the value of sharing negative results, lessons learned and experiences of failed experiments with an aim to transform the perception of negative results in research.

I also had the opportunity to contribute to this year’s program by hosting and moderating lunch tables during the HLF week. Each lunch table brought together diverse voices and perspectives, sparking insightful discussions. Over three sessions, we covered topics close to my heart: Women in Mathematics and Computer Science, Negative Results in Research, and Mentoring in Academia.

A few snapshots from the HLF lunch tables—where we shared experiences, sparked ideas, exchanged insights, and, of course, shared plenty of laughter.

The discussion on Women in Mathematics and Computer Science explored the personal experiences and barriers faced by women in these fields, alongside ideas for fostering inclusive environments. In Negative Results in Research, we focussed the discussion on the value of sharing negative results to provide hindsight wisdom, refine research methodologies and data collection/simulation parameters and measurements. The idea is to build an honest research environment that can help others avoid future failure. The session on Mentoring in Academia was especially exciting for me, as I’m at a unique stage in my career where I’m both a mentee and a mentor. This dual perspective gave the conversation an added depth as we explored the essential role mentorship plays in academic growth. We talked about the challenges mentors face, like balancing guidance with independence, and discussed practical ways to support and inspire the next generation of scholars. These conversations highlighted just how important it is to create spaces for open dialogue—spaces where we can freely share experiences, insights, and advice, and in doing so, help each other grow.

Dr. Vint Cerf talking about his foundational paper that kickstarted the Internet 40 years ago (in 1974). He also personalized it with a signed autograph [Yay!] (Left). Inspirational and insightful dinner conversations with Prof. Robert Endre Tarjan and Prof. Martin Hellman (Right).

Attending the Heidelberg Laureate Forum has been a journey of inspiration and growth. In 2022, I participated as a young researcher (see my memories from HLF 2022) , in 2023 as a Master of Ceremonies (see my memories from HLF 2023), and now, in 2024, I returned as an Alumni. Each year, my role has evolved, offering me a unique perspective, yet the experience remains just as inspiring. From hearing the stories, research journeys, and talks of laureates whose work has redefined mathematics and computer science, to engaging with fellow invited guests and alumni passionate about their fields, and sharing insights with brilliant young researchers—each moment here is profoundly energizing.

One interaction particularly close to my heart was the opportunity to speak at length with my research hero, Dr. Vint Cerf. We discussed his early vision, his many memorable stories (I’ll share more on these soon!), and the passions that continue to fuel his work. This year marks the 40th anniversary of his groundbreaking contributions that laid the foundation for the Internet, making this exchange feel even more surreal. Capturing the moment with his autograph on that very work felt like a tribute to the legacy that has influenced so many of us (see photo above!).

This forum truly is a rare space where generations meet, ideas flourish, and the shared love for science reminds us of why we pursue these fields with such dedication.

I am grateful for the incredible connections and shared moments with fellow alumni, invited guests, and organizers at HLF.