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Transform Science Engagement: Become the Climate Action Breakthrough of 2026

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German Foreign Office’s Climate Fund Program in South Africa

Deadline: 15-Apr-2026

The Falling Walls Foundation invites individuals and organizations to apply for the Falling Walls Engage Global Call 2026 under the “Science Engagement” category with a focus on Climate Action. Selected applicants will pitch their projects at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin (6–9 November 2026), with finalists competing for the title of Science Breakthrough of the Year in Science Engagement. The programme rewards measurable impact, innovation, and participatory approaches that connect science and society.

What Is Falling Walls Engage?

Falling Walls Engage is an international platform by the Falling Walls Foundation that recognizes innovative science engagement initiatives worldwide.

The 2026 Global Call focuses specifically on projects that:

  • Actively engage the public in science

  • Address Climate Action

  • Break down barriers between science and society

  • Promote co-learning, co-creation, and co-leadership

The initiative is part of the Falling Walls Science Summit, held annually in Berlin, Germany.

Focus Area: Climate Action Through Science Engagement

Projects must demonstrate meaningful engagement in climate-related challenges, including:

  • Climate mitigation

  • Climate adaptation

  • Sustainability practices

  • Environmental awareness and education

Eligible initiatives should:

  • Generate trust and excitement in science

  • Involve communities in knowledge creation

  • Encourage behavioural change toward sustainability

  • Demonstrate entrepreneurial and forward-thinking approaches

Event Details

  • Category: Science Engagement

  • Event: Falling Walls Science Summit 2026

  • Location: Berlin, Germany

  • Pitch date: 6 November 2026

  • Summit dates: 6–9 November 2026

Selected participants will present their projects to an international audience and jury.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be an individual or organization active in Science Engagement

  • Focus on Climate Action

  • Have an operational (already implemented) project

  • Be 18 years or older

  • Submit the application in English

  • Ensure the project has never been presented at Falling Walls Engage

Applications are open globally.

Selection Process and Stages

Stage 1: Shortlist (30 Projects)

Applicants selected for the shortlist of 30 receive:

  • International visibility

  • Hands-on pitch training

  • Networking opportunities

  • Access to a global community of science engagement practitioners

Stage 2: Finalists (15 Projects)

From the shortlist, 15 finalists are selected and receive:

  • Travel scholarship to Berlin

  • Free ticket to the Falling Walls Science Summit

  • Opportunity to pitch live on stage

  • Exposure to a distinguished international jury

  • Publication of their live pitch in the Falling Walls media library

  • Access to in-depth co-learning and peer exchange

Stage 3: Science Breakthrough of the Year

One finalist is awarded the title:

Science Breakthrough of the Year in Science Engagement

The winner will:

  • Present on the main stage on 9 November 2026

  • Address a global physical and virtual audience

  • Engage with global leaders, media, industry experts, and award-winning professionals

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

  • Measurable impact

  • Innovation and originality

  • Participatory and inclusive engagement formats

  • Quality and clarity of submission

  • Demonstrated climate mitigation or adaptation outcomes

  • Evidence of lasting and significant societal impact

Projects must clearly show how audiences are actively involved in co-creating scientific knowledge.

What Makes a Strong Science Engagement Project?

Competitive projects typically:

  • Move beyond one-way communication

  • Enable dialogue and shared leadership

  • Foster long-term behavioural change

  • Use creative and interactive formats

  • Demonstrate real-world climate outcomes

Examples of participatory formats may include:

  • Citizen science initiatives

  • Community-led climate research

  • Interactive exhibitions

  • Co-designed sustainability solutions

  • Youth-led climate engagement platforms

Why This Opportunity Matters

Falling Walls Engage:

  • Elevates global science engagement leaders

  • Connects innovators with international stakeholders

  • Promotes trust and collaboration between science and society

  • Accelerates climate-focused innovation

The programme provides both recognition and strategic exposure within a high-profile international science summit.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your project:

  • Focuses on Climate Action

  • Is already operational

  • Meets age and language requirements

Step 2: Demonstrate Impact

Provide:

  • Clear evidence of measurable results

  • Data or qualitative outcomes

  • Examples of community engagement

Step 3: Highlight Innovation

Explain:

  • What makes your approach unique

  • How it breaks traditional science communication barriers

  • How audiences co-create knowledge

Step 4: Prepare a Clear Submission

Include:

  • Concise project description

  • Objectives and methodology

  • Evidence of impact

  • Scalability or sustainability potential

Step 5: Submit Application in English

Ensure clarity, structure, and completeness before submission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting projects that are not yet operational

  • Focusing on awareness only without measurable impact

  • Treating audiences as passive recipients

  • Providing vague climate action outcomes

  • Failing to demonstrate participatory engagement

Strong applications clearly link science engagement to tangible climate action outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply?

Individuals and organizations active in Science Engagement worldwide.

2. What is the main theme for 2026?

Climate Action within the Science Engagement category.

3. Is the project required to be operational?

Yes. Only projects that are already implemented are eligible.

4. What language must the application be submitted in?

English.

5. What happens if selected as a finalist?

Finalists receive a travel scholarship to Berlin, pitch at the Summit, and gain global exposure.

6. What is the top award?

Science Breakthrough of the Year in Science Engagement, presented on 9 November 2026.

7. What are projects evaluated on?

Measurable impact, innovation, inclusivity, participatory approach, and clarity of submission.

Conclusion

The Falling Walls Engage Global Call 2026 offers a high-impact international platform for science engagement initiatives focused on Climate Action.

By recognising measurable impact, participatory innovation, and meaningful public engagement, the programme highlights projects that strengthen the relationship between science and society.

For practitioners and organizations transforming climate communication into collective action, this opportunity provides global visibility, strategic networking, and the potential to be named Science Breakthrough of the Year.

For more information, visit Falling Walls Foundation.

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