Falling Walls Science Summit
Join us at the next Falling Walls Science Summit 6–9 November 2026!
Falling Walls Science House, Karl-Marx-Allee 34, Berlin or Online
Discover groundbreaking research, innovative ideas, and transformative global leaders from academia, business, politics, the media, and civil society, and the 2026 Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year Laureates.
Since 2009, the Falling Walls Science Summit has united the world’s greatest minds to break down barriers in science and innovation. We bring together global science leaders, business pioneers, and public sector visionaries to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and shape the future of the international innovation system—creating meaningful impact for humanity.
"Meet the brightest minds on the planet." - BBC
SPEAKERS & ATTENDEES HIGHLIGHTS
Meet Science Leaders and Academic Peers
Get to know the Speakers and Attendees bringing their scientific breakthroughs to the Falling Walls Science Summit. Hailing from sectors as diverse as Physical Sciences and Art & Science, these world-leading academics share the insights and research redefining tomorrow.
INSIDE THE FALLING WALLS SCIENCE SUMMIT
What’s in Store
- Four days of scientific breakthroughs, networking, debate and innovation
- 80+ events: panel discussions, interviews, pitches, round tables, plenary tables and executive tables
- 500+ speakers and active participants
- 2,000+ international attendees—32% C-level, 43% expert level, 22% early career level
- 3,500+ nominations
- 150+ nominated countries
- 150+ winners
- 60+ hours of science video footage
The highlight of the Falling Walls Science Summit is the announcement of the Science Breakthroughs of the Year, which takes place on the final day. This award recognises the outstanding projects seeking to solve the greatest challenges of our time across nine categories:
Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Social Sciences & Humanities, Art & Science, Women’s Impact Award, Emerging Talents, Science Startup-Ups and Science Engagement.
PAST FALLING WALLS SCIENCE SUMMITS
A comprehensive collection of archived reviews from past annual Falling Walls Science Summit events, showcasing the evolution and impact of pioneering scientific achievements over the years. Get more information about past speakers and topics by clicking below.
PAST FALLING WALLS SCIENCE SUMMITS
A comprehensive collection of archived reviews from past annual Falling Walls Science Summit events, showcasing the evolution and impact of pioneering scientific achievements over the years. Get more information about past speakers and topics by clicking below.
FAQ
The Falling Walls Science Summit is a leading international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral forum for scientific breakthroughs. It commemorates the fall of the Berlin Wall and aims to promote dialogue between science and society.
The Falling Walls Science Summit 2026 is set to take place from 6 to 9 November 2026.
The Falling Walls Science Summit 2026 takes place at the Falling Walls Science House, Karl-Marx-Allee 34, 10178 Berlin.
Falling Walls Science Summit is open to all science enthusiasts. It brings together leading researchers and decision-makers from business, academia, and government to address global challenges.
The tickets for the Falling Walls Science Summit are available in our ticket shop.
Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year is a title awarded annually. It recognizes the most prominent scientific breakthroughs across various categories of the Falling Walls Global Call. The laureates present their breakthrough work to a global audience on 9 November on our stage at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin.
To become a Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year, start by participating in the Falling Walls Global Call across various categories. The successful nominations are shortlisted as finalists, which are then assessed by a panel of judges to determine the winners. From these winners, the juries select the Science Breakthroughs of the Year. The laureates are highlighted at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin on 9 November.
There are several ways to participate in the Falling Walls Science Summit:
- Purchase a ticket and partake as an audience member.
- Participate in our Global Call for a chance to present your breakthrough on stage.
- Join us via the livestream from anywhere in the world online.
- Become a partner and help us shape the Falling Walls Science Summit.
The Falling Walls Foundation is supported by numerous acclaimed academic institutions, foundations, companies, and non-governmental organisations. To become a partner, contact us via e-mail: info@falling-walls.com
The Falling Walls Science Summit is a leading international and interdisciplinary forum. Some of the most important researchers and thinkers of our time gather at Falling Walls to discuss breakthroughs with global leaders in science, politics, business, and the media, answering the core question of the Falling Walls Science Summit: “Which are the next walls to fall in science and society?“
Since its first annual meeting on 9 November 2009, the 20th anniversary of the peaceful fall of the Berlin Wall, the Falling Walls Science Summit has continuously developed into a world forum for science.
For a glimpse into last year's Falling Walls Science Summit, visit our YouTube channel.
The events are held in English.
The first confirmed speakers and topics will be revealed on our website, in our newsletter and on our social media channels. The programme will be published on our website prior to the summit.
Some of the Summit events will be livestreamed. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for updates.
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SCIENCE SUMMIT 2026