SCIENCE ENGAGEMENT

We define Science Engagement as activities, events, or interactions bridging the gap between science and society to generate mutual learning and mutual benefits across the spectrum of public engagement in science and interactive science communication.

Engagement is per definition a two-way process with the goal to shape and co-create scientific process together, to promote active involvement of publics in scientific knowledge production.

At Falling Walls Engage we seek participatory formats of all levels: from co-productive research and public panels to arts-driven or entertaining approaches – the common ground is the inclusion of and impact on all sides involved.

IMPACT

We define the impact of Science Engagement initiatives as long-lasting improvements on people’s lives. By offering opportunities to participate actively in scientific processes and become an integral part in scientific developments, Science Engagement empowers people to make informed and fact-based decisions. Thus, it has a positive impact on the empowerment of all people, co-creative knowledge production, the perception of scientific facts and overall the wellbeing of our society.

Selection Criteria:

• Impact
  Initiatives with measurable outcomes and long-term impact on their target group and research. All sides involved have a positive impact and mutual benefits.
• Approach
  Participatory formats of all levels: from public panels to arts-driven or entertaining approaches to co-productive research, the common ground is a two-way process with the goal to shape and co-create scientific knowledge together.
• Inclusivity
  The project fosters a sense of belonging by centering and amplifying the voices and perspectives of underrepresented groups. It values, leverages and integrates local knowledge and expertise, creates relationships, and empowers members of the target group.
• Overall impression
  Structure and quality of application.
  On 7 Nov: Structure and quality of pitch presentation on stage.

The Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year, Science Engagement is an exemplary, inspiring, and impactful initiative that:

• breaks down walls between science and society with its individual approach on the respective target group;
• engages with people in the process of science, promotes opportunities for co-learning, co-leadership and co-creation and creates excitement for and trust in science;
• actively engages its target group in a participatory and inclusive way, fosters dialogue and aims to generate mutual benefits for science and society.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The applicant/nominee must be 18 years or older when submitting the application.
• The project/initiative must already be running and active at the time of the application. Being in the funding or idea phase is not considered as a running project.

For some inspiration, check out our winners from previous years!

STEP 1 – 50 Finalists

A pre-selection committee will go through all received applications and select 50 Finalists (June)

• A list of the 50 Finalists with their project websites and social media handles will be published on the Falling Walls Engage website (June/July)
• Onboarding into our global community of Science Engagement practitioners via a virtual community session (July)

STEP 2 – 20 Winners

An Advisory Board (previous Winners) will select 20 Winners (July)

• A list of the 20 Winners with their project websites and social media handles will be published on the Falling Walls Engage website (July/August)
• Digital pitch training workshop (October)
• Onboarding into our global community of Science Engagement practitioners via a virtual community session (September)

STEP 3 – 1 Breakthrough of the Year

A Jury will select 1 Breakthrough of the Year (November)

• Be part of the Engage Community Day with co-learning workshops and more (6 Nov)
• The 20 Winners will pitch their projects on stage in Berlin (7 Nov)
• A distinguished jury will select one Breakthrough of the Year (7 Nov)
• The Breakthrough of the Year will present on stage at the Falling Walls Breakthrough Day (9 Nov)

SAVE THE DATE

6 – 9 Nov 2023 – Falling Walls Science Summit 2023 in Berlin*

*the event format and timeline is subject to modification depending on external factors

HOW TO APPLY

• STEP 1: click on the button below “Apply Here”
• STEP 2: Register for our platform
• STEP 3: Choose “I want to apply directly”
• STEP 4: Choose the category “Science Engagement”
• STEP 5: Fill in your application
• Get a confirmation email with further information regarding the competition process.

Applications close: 1 May 2023

Terms & Conditions

Benefits for all 50 Finalists

• Unique networking-opportunities with like-minded Science Engagement practitioners & professionals  and peers around the world.
• Increased reach and visibility for you and your initiative on a global level.
• Access to a digital and global community network to connect and collaborate with community members.
• Inclusion of your Science Engagement project on the World Engagement Map.
• And much more.

Extra benefits for the 20 Winners

• Get a travel scholarship for Berlin from 5.-10. November 2023 and a ticket for the Falling Walls Science Summit 2023 and showcase your project to an international audience and a distinguished jury on stage on 7 November.
• Have the chance to become the Science Breakthrough of the Year 2023, Science Engagement.
• Have in depth co-learning and peer exchange with Falling Walls Community members, partners and global leaders.
• Your live pitch published in our growing Falling Walls media library.

Extra benefits for the Science Breakthrough of the Year

• Pitch your project in front of a physical and virtual audience of global leaders, award-winning professionals, media, and industry-experts on 9 November on the grand stage of the Falling Walls Science Summit.

DO YOU KNOW A SCIENCE ENGAGEMENT PROJECT THAT WOULD BE A PERFECT FIT? NOMINATE NOW.

We would like to showcase the most exciting Science Engagement initiatives from across the world and reflect the diversity in the field. For this, we invite you to nominate an inspiring project run by an individual or organisation you know, and to spread the word about the possibility to nominate someone for this year’s Falling Walls Engage Pitches.

Please note: If you would like to apply with your own Science Engagement project, you can do so without being nominated in the first place. You can directly apply via our application form. 

• STEP 1: Click on the button below “Nominate Here”
• STEP 2: Register for our platform
• STEP 3: Choose “I am nominating”
• STEP 4: Choose the category “Science Engagement”
• STEP 5: Fill in your nomination

After your nomination, the nominee will be contacted via email and invited to apply. You will also receive a short confirmation email.

Nominations close: 1 May 2023

Terms & Conditions

For further information about Falling Walls Engage Pitches 2023, please consult our FAQ here.

If you have further questions, please reach out to: engage@falling-walls.com.

To get to know more about Falling Walls Engage, check out our About Page.