Intensive Track 2025

The Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2025 has closed!

For the year 2025, we have selected 20 exceptionally talented women* in science from all disciplines to take part in our one-year intensive programme.   

Benefits of the Intensive Track

The Intensive Track programme offers selected participants a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development:  

• Participate in two high-level gatherings in Berlin: Join the International Spring Gathering and International Fall Gathering at the Falling Walls Science Summit 2025. Travel scholarships are provided for both events.  
• Skill-Enhancement Workshops and Career Talks: Attend a series of online and in-person workshops on topics like female leadership, science entrepreneurship, science communication, pitch training, and more.  
• Peer Exchange with Fellow Talents: Connect with like-minded, high-potential scientists from various disciplines in a vibrant and diverse learning community.  
• Exclusive Networking Opportunities: Engage with Female Science Talents role models and women leaders in academia, business, and politics, including representatives from our official partners: Bayer Foundation, Elsevier Foundation, Volkswagen Foundation, German Research Foundation, and the Klaus Tschira Foundation.  
• Access to the Falling Walls Community: Expand your network through the Falling Walls Venture, Engage, and Lab communities.  
• Visibility and Reach: Benefit from increased visibility via the Falling Walls Community, sharing your work and insights with a global audience.  

Selection Criteria

We welcome applications from PhD students in the final stages of their research and postdocs or those with equivalent qualifications from all scientific disciplines and from universities or research institutions worldwide. We are looking for candidates who not only excel in their fields but also bring an inspiring vision and dedication to our community.  

We are especially seeking candidates who:  

• Excel in Their Scientific Field: Demonstrate outstanding research, innovative thinking, and a commitment to advancing knowledge in their discipline.  
• Actively Contribute to the Programme and Community:  
• Engage in Peer-to-Peer Learning: Share skills and insights in interactive sessions and small group discussions.  
• Mentor the Next Cohort: Support future participants through mentorship, offering guidance to help them thrive in the cohort of 2026 (up to 4 times per year).  
• Initiate and Engage in Community Events: Organise engaging events like panel discussions or knowledge-sharing sessions that bring added value to the community.  
• Are Proactive and Collaborative: Enthusiastically participate in programme workshops, contribute ideas, and foster a positive and supportive atmosphere for all participants.  
• Have Excellent Communication Skills: Fluency in English; good communication and self-presentation skills  

Timeline and Availability

The programme will commence in February 2025 and run through January 2026. Successful applicants take part approx. once a month in online events such as workshops or career talks (up to 180 minutes) and travel to Berlin (Germany) twice: for 4 days in April/May and for 4 days in November. 

How to Apply

To apply, please visit our online platform (see "Apply Now” button below) and fill in the application form. In this form, you will be asked to: 

• Tell us about yourself (300 characters limit incl. spaces)  
• Describe your research (300 characters limit incl. spaces)  
• Outline your career goals and vision (300 characters limit incl. spaces)  
• Describe how this programme can support your objectives (300 characters limit incl. spaces)  
• Explain how you can positively contribute to the programme (300 characters limit incl. spaces)  

 Additionally, you will be asked to upload the following documents:  

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlight the key stages and achievements of your career (tabular format).  
• Video Introduction: Share more about yourself and your motivation in a video (mp4, maximum 3 minutes).