Science Engagement

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.

Since 2024 we have been setting a special focus on climate change, sustainability and innovation. In particular, we are looking for creative projects focusing on sustainability and climate adaptation impacting target groups who are dealing with the effects of climate change. The projects applying for the Falling Walls Engage Pitches are required to address climate adaptation as a core element.

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 (40%): Initiatives with measurable and significant, lasting and sustained impact that have long-term impact in people's lives and on climate adaptation as a result.
• Innovation (30%): New, unique, inspiring, entrepreneurial, and forward-thinking projects that tackle the biggest challenges of our time, such as climate change.
• Approach (20%): Inclusive 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.
• Overall Impression (10%): Structure and quality of application. On 7 November: Structure and quality of pitch presentation on stage in front of an international audience.

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 climate change;
• 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;
• shows a project that is new, unique, innovative, forward-thinking and entrepreneurial.

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 – 30 Shortlisted Applicants

A pre-selection committee will go through all received applications and select 30 Shortlisted Applicants (June).

• A list of the 30 Shortlisted Applicants 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 Finalists

An Advisory Board will select 20 Finalists (July).

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

STEP 3 – 1 Science Breakthrough of the Year

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

• Be part of the Engage Community Day with co-learning workshops and more (6 Nov).
• The 20 Finalists 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

7 – 9 Nov 2025 – Falling Walls Science Summit 2025 in Berlin*

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

Benefits for all 30 Shortlisted Applicants

• 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.

Extra benefits for the 20 Finalists

• Get a travel scholarship for Berlin from 5-10 November 2025 and a ticket for the Falling Walls Science Summit 2025 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 2025, 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.

For further information about Falling Walls Engage Pitches 2025, 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.