Nobel laureates in physics, chemistry and physiology/medicine have been meeting annually (Origin of Lindau Meetings) in a picturesque island called Lindau , which is located at the eastern end of Lake Constance, just north of the Swiss Alps. The meeting is organized to promote scientific awareness among the public and to encourage informal interactions between the laureates and young researchers from various parts of the globe. The focussed disciplines get rotated every year. The 50th meeting held in 2000 had participations from all the three areas mentioned above.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) was invited by the Committee for the meeting of Nobel Laureates and Students in Lindau to bring a group of bright young Indian researchers for these meetings, starting from 2001 meeting.

On 23rd June 2001, Prof. M.M. Joshi, Hon'ble Minister for Science and Technology, Human Resources Developement and Ocean Development, officially launched the Programme of DST Awards for Young Scientists and Researchers to participate in Meetings of Nobel laureates and Students in Lindau, Germany.

Additionally, DST through its arrangement with the German Research Foundation (DFG) has also decided to expose the Indian scientists' team to prestigious German institutions as part of the award.

Since, the launching of the programme in 2001, Indian Young Scientists teams in Chemistry and Physiology/Medicine have also been sent to Lindau meeting in 2002 and 2003, respectively.

2004 meeting is in the field of physics. Interested candidates may apply as per details in the announcement.