Falling Walls Engage is a global platform for breakthroughs in science engagement. The programme seeks to spread scientific literacy, especially among broader non-scientific audiences. It fosters co-learning among science engagement practitioners, offers an international platform for discussions and exchange, and supports to transfer the importance of and enthusiasm for science into society.

Falling Walls Engage fosters the promotion of successful science engagement internationally to increase public understanding and appreciation of science. As a result, the way in which science and science engagement are perceived and discussed in society and academia will change.

The programme culminates in a fast-paced annual pitch competition. Each year, on 8 November in Berlin, outstanding projects from a wide range of fields showcase their science engagement concepts in front of a peer audience and a distinguished jury. The winner is awarded the ‘Falling Walls Science Engagement of the Year’ and gets the chance to present on the grand stage of the Falling Walls Conference in front of an audience of 750 global leaders, scientists, decision-makers and international media representatives.

Falling Walls Engage brings together organisations and individuals active in science engagement to submit their running projects or initiatives. The international call is open to all forms of science engagement from every part of the world. We offer a platform for impactful and creative concepts that build opportunities for dialogue and participation between science and society. We aim to find exemplary initiatives from all over the world that break down walls between science and society with their individual approach on the respective target group.

From all applications, the Falling Walls Foundation, together with the Robert Bosch Stiftung and the Advisory Board of three former Falling Walls Engage finalists select 20 initiatives and invite them to Berlin in November. These finalists are nominated by defined criteria (outcome, engagement methods, target groups and project types) and a gender-equal balance of presenters.

On 8 November, the jury chooses one winning initiative, which is characterised by its outstanding outcome on its target group in its perspective region as well as by its role model character. The winning project uses creative and inspiring methods to engage its target group with science.

All participating projects will be documented on an interactive learning website to inspire other professionals and the public. Following the presentation pitches, co-learning workshops will create an opportunity for further discussion, exchange of expertise and cooperation. The finalists will also become part of the unique Falling Walls Engage Community.