Falling Walls Global Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Falling Walls Global Call is an international competition and innovation platform that seeks to identify and celebrate the most recent breakthroughs in science and research from around the world. It is part of the Falling Walls Foundation’s annual programme, culminating in the prestigious Falling Walls Science Summit — a global forum where scientists, innovators, interdisciplinary experts, and thought leaders gather to explore advances that address humanity’s greatest challenges.

What is the Falling Walls Global Call?

The Falling Walls Global Call is a competition that invites researchers, innovators, teams, research institutions, start-ups, and science engagement initiatives from all regions of the world to submit or nominate their recent groundbreaking scientific work. The goal is to find the most impactful and innovative research achievements of the year that contribute to solutions in science, technology, society, and culture.

Selected projects are honoured at the Falling Walls Science Summit, where finalists present their work to a global audience of peers, experts, policymakers, and media. This summit takes place annually in Berlin, Germany, and is a major platform for international research exchange.

Who Can Participate?

The Global Call welcomes two types of participation:

• Researcher or Innovator Application: Individuals or teams with their own project can submit their scientific breakthrough for consideration.
• Nomination: Universities, research centres, academic institutions, companies, foundations, NGOs, and others can nominate outstanding scientific work or researchers. (Falling Walls)

Projects are evaluated internationally and interdisciplinary work that addresses global challenges is especially encouraged. Submissions are generally accepted in English. (Falling Walls)

Breakthrough Categories

The Falling Walls Global Call recognises scientific breakthroughs across a wide spectrum of fields. Major categories include:

• Life Sciences: Research on living organisms and biological systems.
• Physical Sciences: Discoveries in physics, chemistry, astronomy, and related areas.
• Engineering & Technology: Innovation in technical solutions, materials, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and practical applications of science.
• Social Sciences & Humanities: Insightful research on human society, culture, behavior, and systems.
• Art & Science: Creative work that bridges science and artistic expression.
• Science Start-ups: Innovative ventures that translate scientific breakthroughs into promising business models.
• Science Engagement: Projects that connect science with broader society, promoting public understanding and participation.
• Women’s Impact Award: Recognition of outstanding interdisciplinary research and engagement that advances gender equality and diversity in science and aligns with global development goals.

Benefits of Participating

The Falling Walls Global Call offers significant value to applicants, including:

• International Recognition: Get visibility for your work among global science communities, media, policymakers, and industry leaders.
• Presentation Opportunities: Selected finalists present at the Falling Walls Science Summit — a four-day event with keynotes, discussions, and debates on the future of science and society.
• Networking: Connect with world-class researchers, innovators, and decision-makers from diverse disciplines and regions.
• Community and Collaboration: Join a global network committed to interdisciplinary collaboration and solutions for global challenges.

For many participants, being selected as a Science Breakthrough of the Year can elevate their visibility and open doors to further research, partnerships, and funding opportunities.

The Falling Walls Science Summit

The Falling Walls Science Summit takes place each year in Berlin to commemorate the anniversary of the peaceful fall of the Berlin Wall. The event gathers more than thousands of participants from over 100 countries, including Nobel laureates, leading researchers, public figures, and up-and-coming scientific talents. Topics cover a broad range of global issues — from health and sustainability to technology and society.

During the summit, the winners and finalists of the Global Call present their breakthroughs on stage, participate in panel discussions, and engage with international audiences. This provides a unique stage for world-changing ideas and innovations to be shared and celebrated.

Why It Matters

The Falling Walls Global Call is more than a competition — it is a celebration of human ingenuity and scientific courage. It honors research that pushes boundaries, confronts complex global problems, and inspires others to think boldly about the future. By bringing together diverse voices and disciplines, the Global Call and the associated Science Summit help catalyze progress that benefits both science and society.

For researchers, innovators, and science engagement professionals who want to showcase their work to a global audience and join a vibrant international community, the Falling Walls Global Call is an opportunity to be recognized on the world stage.