Falling Walls Science Summit 2025: Call for the Science Breakthroughs of the Year

  • On 3 March 2025 the non-profit Falling Walls Foundation opens the Global Call for the Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year 2025
  • Until 30 April scientists and academics, research institutions, universities and NGOs can submit their projects in eight categories
  • The Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year laureates will present their groundbreaking research at the Falling Walls Science Summit on 9 November 2025 in Berlin
  • For information on the submission process and selection criteria visit falling-walls.com/global-call/
  • The platform for applications and nominations can be found here globalcall.falling-walls.com/ 

Berlin, 3 March 2025  
 
The Falling Walls Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of the Global Call for the Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year 2025.  
Beginning today, scientists, academics, research institutions, universities, and NGOs worldwide are invited to submit their pioneering projects across eight categories: 

  • Life Sciences
  • Physical Sciences
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Social Sciences & Humanities
  • Art & Science
  • Women’s Impact Award
  • Science Start-Ups
  • Science Engagement 

Recognizing Excellence in Science and Innovation 

Breakthrough research is key to solving the world’s greatest challenges. The Falling Walls Science Summit brings together visionaries from science, business, politics, media, and civil society to recognize and celebrate the most impactful scientific advancements. 

The Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year 2025 laureates in eight major categories will take the stage on 9 November 2025. Shortlisted candidates in Emerging Talents, Science Start-ups, and Science Engagement will present their projects at the Falling Walls Science Summit on 7 November 2025, where the winners will be awarded the prestigious title of Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year 2025. 

The Falling Walls Science Summit 2025: A Global Platform for Breakthrough Thinking 

The 17th Falling Walls Science Summit will take place from 7–9 November 2025 in Berlin, featuring: 

  • Falling Walls Pitches (7 November): Early-career scientists, science communicators, and science start-ups present their ideas.
  • Falling Walls Circle (8 & 9 November): High-level debates between experts in science, business, policy, and media.
  • Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs (9 November): Keynotes by the Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year laureates. 

For a look at previous laureates, participants, and speakers, visit: falling-walls.com/foundation/people/ 

The shortlisted projects for the main awards will be announced on 16 August 2025, and the full Summit programme will be available online by the end of September 2025. 

About the Falling Walls Science Summit 

Since its inception in 2009, the Falling Walls Science Summit has become a premier international forum for scientific breakthroughs and interdisciplinary dialogue. Held annually in Berlin from 7–9 November, the Summit commemorates the fall of the Berlin Wall by bringing together global leaders to explore how science can shape a sustainable future. 

With its key formats—Falling Walls Pitches, Falling Walls Circle, and Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs —the Summit fosters collaboration among academia, industry, politics, and civil society to drive transformative change. The event is organized by the non-profit Falling Walls Foundation. More information: falling-walls.com 

About the Falling Walls Foundation 

The Falling Walls Foundation gGmbH is a Berlin-based non-profit organization dedicated to advancing science communication and public engagement with research. Its initiatives bring together international experts to develop breakthrough solutions for global challenges. 

Alongside the Falling Walls Science Summit, the Foundation runs the Berlin Science Week, as well as specialized programmes such as Falling Walls Lab, Falling Walls Engage, Falling Walls Venture and Female Science Talents. Since 2020, the Foundation has also organized the Creative Bureaucracy Festival, an international platform for public sector innovation. 

The Foundation is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the Berlin Senate, the Hannover Re Foundation, the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, PD – Public Sector Advisory, and numerous leading academic institutions, companies, and NGOs. Learn more:  https://falling-walls.com/foundation/about