Women's Impact Award

The Women’s Impact Award recognises women who combine outstanding research with societal impact. It celebrates scientific excellence with purpose—led by women and actively contributing to a more equitable future.

The award is a joint initiative by the Falling Walls Foundation and the Elsevier Foundation and forms part of the Falling Walls Global Call for Science Breakthroughs. 

Submissions for the Falling Walls Global Call 2026 are now closed. Thank you to all who took part.

WOMEN'S IMPACT AWARD 2026 BREAKTHROUGH OF THE YEAR

Manali Mukherjee - Breaking the Wall of Long COVID Denial

Making Long COVID visible through the biology of illness: Long COVID is complex, often misunderstood, and disproportionately dismissed in women. This project uses blood-based biomarkers to uncover who is at risk, enabling earlier recognition, closer monitoring, and more personalised care — turning uncertainty into evidence and belief into action.

We also congratulate our winners of the Women's Impact Award 2026

Amelia Fiske - Breaking the Wall of Algorithmic Injustice
AI can deepen existing inequalities—from gender and racial bias to surveillance, exploitation, and exclusion. This project puts marginalized communities at the centre of AI development, working with them to identify harms and co-create solutions that make AI more just, accountable, and inclusive.

Anam Shahil-Feroz - Breaking the Wall of Preeclampsia Care with Remote Monitoring
High-risk pregnancies can become life-threatening when access to timely care is limited. This project brings preeclampsia monitoring closer to home through Raabta, a culturally tailored mobile platform that connects pregnant individuals with healthcare providers—making maternal care more accessible, proactive, and equitable.