Call for Visionary Artists in Science-Inspired Innovation

The Falling Walls Global Call for Science Breakthroughs 2026 invites international artists and collectives to showcase innovative projects at the intersection of art and science. Finalists gain global visibility, join the Falling Walls network, and compete for the Breakthrough of the Year in Art & Science award, presented at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin on 9 November 2026.

What Is the Falling Walls Global Call for Science Breakthroughs?

The Falling Walls Global Call for Science Breakthroughs is an international platform that recognizes transformative ideas across disciplines. It is part of the annual Falling Walls Science Summit held in Berlin, Germany.

The Art & Science category specifically focuses on projects that integrate scientific research, discoveries, or methodologies into artistic expression. The initiative promotes interdisciplinary innovation and positions art and science as collaborative forces shaping the future.

What Does “Art & Science” Mean in This Context?

In this call, Art & Science refers to creative projects that:

• Translate scientific breakthroughs into visual, performative, digital, or conceptual art

• Use scientific data, research processes, or emerging technologies as artistic tools

• Address global challenges such as climate change, health, inequality, or technological ethics

• Communicate complex scientific ideas to broad audiences through storytelling and creativity

Eligible disciplines may span:

• Humanities

• Life sciences

• Technology and engineering

• Environmental sciences

• Social sciences

• Digital innovation

The goal is to make scientific knowledge accessible, engaging, and impactful through artistic interpretation.

Who Is Eligible?

The call is open to:

• International artists

• Artist collectives

• Interdisciplinary teams

• Creative practitioners working at the intersection of art and science

Nominations Can Be Submitted By:

• Universities and academic institutions

• Research organisations and laboratories

• Public and private research centres

• Companies and innovation hubs

• Academies and research funders

• Foundations

• Individual nominators

Self-applications are also allowed.

All submissions must be completed in English.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The Falling Walls platform is globally recognized for spotlighting breakthrough innovations. Participation provides:

• International exposure in front of a distinguished jury

• Access to a high-level interdisciplinary network

• Engagement with leaders from science, politics, business, and media

• Opportunities for collaboration and visibility beyond the summit

This initiative reinforces the idea that art and science are not opposing domains but complementary systems of inquiry that expand human understanding and address global challenges.

What Do Selected Participants Receive?

Finalists in the Art & Science category will:

• Present their project to an international jury

• Gain global recognition through the Falling Walls platform

• Become part of the Falling Walls global network

• Receive a free ticket to attend the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin

Breakthrough of the Year Award

One project will be selected as the Falling Walls Breakthrough of the Year in Art & Science.

The winner will:

• Present on the main stage on 9 November 2026 in Berlin

• Attend the full four-day Falling Walls Science Summit 2026

• Participate in keynote sessions, panel discussions, and pitch events

• Network with leading thinkers and decision-makers

How to Apply

Step 1: Prepare Your Project

Ensure your project clearly demonstrates:

• A strong connection between art and scientific research

• Originality and innovation

• Societal relevance or global impact

• Clear communication of scientific concepts

Step 2: Choose Your Submission Path

You may:

• Apply directly as an artist or collective

• Be nominated by an eligible institution or individual

Step 3: Complete the Submission in English

All required information must be submitted in English.

Step 4: Selection Process

Projects are evaluated by a distinguished jury based on:

• Creativity and originality

• Scientific relevance

• Interdisciplinary integration

• Potential impact

Finalists are invited to Berlin to participate in the Science Summit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to clearly explain the scientific foundation of the artwork

• Submitting projects with weak interdisciplinary integration

• Providing overly technical explanations without accessible context

• Incomplete application materials

• Not demonstrating societal or global relevance

Ensure your project narrative connects science, creativity, and impact in a coherent way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can artists apply without institutional affiliation?

Yes. Self-applications are accepted. Institutional nomination is not mandatory.

2. Is the program limited to specific scientific disciplines?

No. Projects from humanities, life sciences, technology, social sciences, and other research areas are eligible if they meaningfully intersect with art.

3. What language must the application be submitted in?

All applications and nominations must be submitted in English.

4. What happens if a project is selected as a finalist?

Finalists present their work to the jury, receive a free summit ticket, and gain international exposure.

5. What is the main award?

The main award is the Falling Walls Breakthrough of the Year in Art & Science, presented on 9 November 2026 at the Science Summit in Berlin.

6. What is the Falling Walls Science Summit?

It is a four-day international conference in Berlin that brings together researchers, innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss breakthrough ideas across disciplines.

7. Is there a networking component?

Yes. Participants join the Falling Walls network, enabling long-term engagement with global innovators and decision-makers.

Conclusion

The Falling Walls Global Call for Science Breakthroughs 2026 in the Art & Science category provides a global platform for artists who integrate scientific discovery with creative practice.

By participating, artists gain international recognition, interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities, and the chance to present their breakthrough work at one of the world’s leading science summits.

For visionary creators working at the intersection of art and science, this is an opportunity to redefine boundaries, communicate complex ideas, and contribute to shaping the future.