Falling Walls Global Call for Science Breakthroughs
2 February 2026 – 15 April 2026
The Falling Walls Global Call for Science Breakthroughs is an international competition format that aims to identify the most groundbreaking scientific achievements of the world. We are looking for the most recent and innovative Science Breakthroughs of the Year! We encourage and invite nominations and applications from all over the world. To help make the Falling Walls Science Summit the celebration that excellent science deserves, we launch the Falling Walls Global Call each year.
This year's Global Call for Science Breakthroughs will start on 2 February 2026.
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Falling Walls fosters discussion on research and innovation and promotes the latest scientific findings among a broad audience from all parts of society. We look forward to honouring the people who are finding solutions to these challenges at the Falling Walls Science Summit.
Whether you are a researcher, innovator, or a team of passionate individuals, the Global Call for Science Breakthroughs is your chance to showcase your groundbreaking work that addresses global challenges.
FALLING WALLS GLOBAL CALL FAQ
Here you will find everything you need to know for your submission to the Falling Walls Global Call. We recommend that you read all the information carefully. We look forward to your nominations and applications.
The Falling Walls Global Call is an international competition format that brings together science enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. We are looking for the most recent and innovative Science Breakthroughs of the Year! We encourage and invite nominations and applications from all over the world. To help make the Falling Walls Science Summit 2026 the celebration that excellent science deserves, we launch the Falling Walls Global Call each year.
The Falling Walls Global Call is composed of the following categories:
Life Sciences
The scientific study of life and organisms e.g. biology, neuroscience, zoology.
Physical Sciences
The observation and understanding of natural phenomena of the earth, atmosphere and space, e.g. chemistry, physics, astronomy.
Engineering & Technology
The practical application of science and mathematics to every-day life, e.g. artificial intelligence, information technology, mechanical engineering.
Social Sciences & Humanities
The institutions and functioning of human society and the interpersonal relationships of individuals as members of society, e.g. politics, economics, philosophy.
Art & Science
Artists whose work is inspired and influenced by science, which sheds light on societal issues, natural phenomena or simply the wonder of scientific discoveries.
Science Start-ups (Falling Walls Venture)
Innovative start-ups that have translated breakthrough scientific thinking into promising business models.
Science Engagement (Falling Walls Engage)
Forms of participatory science engagement initiatives that generate mutual learning between, and mutual benefits for, science and society.
Women’s* Impact Award (Female Science Talents)
Excellence in interdisciplinary research and engagement contributing to gender equality, diversity in science and academia, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. *Falling Walls Female Science Talents uses an inclusive definition of women and welcomes submissions from cis and trans women, genderqueer and non-binary people.
If you’re interested in participating in the Emerging Talents category (Falling Walls Lab) for students & early-career professionals, you can apply directly to an international Falling Walls Lab via the Falling Walls website by clicking here. Please note that the application process, as well as the deadlines, are different from the Global Call.
- Get international visibility for your project.
- Be a part of the Falling Walls network and interact with a wide range of decision-makers, innovators and emerging talents from all over the world. Join an interdisciplinary community that is committed to bringing down barriers to address common challenges.
- Get the opportunity to take part in the Falling Walls Science Summit 2026, a four-day conference with inspiring keynotes, discussions, exciting pitches and a lot more on topics related to science, its communities and the opportunities connected to science and society.
- Take your chance to become one of the Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year and present your breakthrough work to a global audience on 9 November 2026 on our stage at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin.
You can either nominate outstanding research or apply with your own project.
Our goal is to find excellent and groundbreaking research projects in the different categories. With recent “breakthrough research” we are specifically looking for projects that address global challenges and represent scientific knowledge in an innovative way. We encourage an interdisciplinary approach to science.
For nominations, we invite leading academic institutions, universities, research organisations, companies, private and public research centres, academies, research funders, foundations, and individuals to nominate the bright minds behind the latest breakthroughs and outstanding science projects.
You can submit your nomination for the Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year from 2 February – 15 April 2026. As a nominator, you need to register on our online platform. You will be asked to fill out some information about yourself, and the project you wish to nominate. We recommend submitting your nomination as early as possible, so the nominee is able to accept the nomination and submit further information about their project before the deadline.
Please note that nominations as well as applications have to be submitted in English.
Life Sciences | Physical Sciences | Engineering & Technology | Social Sciences & Humanities | Art & Science
In addition to nominating someone else, you can apply directly with your own project. Please run through the application process on our online platform to apply.
Emerging Talents
If you’re interested in participating in the Emerging Talents category (Falling Walls Lab) for students & early-career professionals, you can apply directly to an international Falling Walls Lab via the Falling Walls website by clicking here. Please note that the application process, as well as the deadlines, are different from the Global Call.
Science Start-ups
A self-nomination or application is not possible. Start-ups must be endorsed by a nominating institution (e.g., university or a research institution).
Science Engagement
You can apply directly with your own project.
Women's Impact Award
In addition to nominating someone else, you can apply directly with your own project. Please run through the application process on our online platform to apply.
Please note that nominations as well as applications have to be submitted in English.
The selection process differs regarding the respective categories. To find out more about the selection criteria and evaluation processes, please visit the category pages.
Science Engagement (Falling Walls Engage)
If you have more questions about the nomination and application process for the Global Call, please do not hesitate to send us an email: breakthrough@falling-walls.com
Please read our terms & conditions before applying.
FALLING WALLS SCIENCE SUMMIT
A unique international and interdisciplinary event for scientific breakthroughs and scientific dialogue
The Falling Walls Summit takes place annually in Berlin from 6 – 9 November, in commemoration of the peaceful fall of the Berlin Wall. Inspired by this world-changing event on 9 November 1989, the question of every Falling Walls Science Summit is: “Which are the next walls to fall in science and society?“ The Falling Walls Science Summit brings together scientists from around the globe. Some of the most important researchers and thinkers of our time gather in Berlin to discuss breakthroughs with global leaders in science, politics, business, and the media.
SAVE THE DATE: 6 – 9 November 2026
We look forward to welcoming the people who are finding solutions to the greatest challenges of our time, and thus contributing to a better world, back to Berlin on the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.
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We are proudly supported by our partners, the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, academics and Die Zeit.
