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Open Call: The Falling Walls Global Call for Science Breakthroughs

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AAAS Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility

Deadline: 15-Apr-2026

The Falling Walls Global Call for Science Breakthroughs 2026 – Life Sciences invites nominations and applications from internationally established scientists and research teams whose work advances biology, neuroscience, zoology, and related fields. Submissions close on 15 April 2026, with finalists presenting at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin on 9 November 2026. Projects are evaluated based on breakthrough potential, innovation, societal relevance, academic excellence, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Category: Life Sciences

The Falling Walls Foundation is accepting nominations and direct applications for the Science Breakthrough of the Year 2026 in Life Sciences.

This international award recognizes scientists and research teams whose transformative discoveries advance the scientific study of life and living organisms while contributing to solutions for global challenges such as disease prevention, biodiversity conservation, sustainable ecosystems, and medical innovation.

About the Life Sciences Category

The Life Sciences category highlights research that expands understanding of living systems and transforms human and planetary health.

Eligible Fields Include

The program seeks internationally recognized academics and research leaders whose work pushes scientific frontiers.

What Qualifies as a Life Sciences Breakthrough?

A breakthrough may include:

Projects must demonstrate both scientific excellence and real-world impact.

Key Dates and Timeline

The final event coincides with the anniversary of the peaceful fall of the Berlin Wall.

Who Can Nominate or Apply?

The call is open globally.

Eligible Nominators

Nominations may be submitted by:

Self-Applications

Researchers may submit their own projects directly. Applications must be submitted in English.

If a nominated project becomes shortlisted, the nominator receives:

Selection Process: Step-by-Step

The evaluation process follows four structured stages.

Step 1: Submission

All submissions must be received by 15 April 2026.

Step 2: Shortlisting

Step 3: Finalist Selection

Step 4: Science Breakthrough of the Year

Evaluation Criteria

Projects are assessed proportionally across four main criteria:

1. Breakthrough Potential

Does the research fundamentally shift understanding in life sciences?

2. Innovation

Is the idea original and transformative?

3. Societal Relevance

Does it address pressing global challenges and align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

4. Academic Excellence

Is the research scientifically rigorous and impactful over the long term?

The jury also evaluates:

Why This Opportunity Matters

The Falling Walls platform provides:

This award amplifies both scientific credibility and societal influence.

What Makes a Strong Application?

Competitive submissions typically:

Strong communication is as important as scientific rigor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ensure clarity, impact, and innovation are clearly demonstrated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible for the Life Sciences category?

Internationally established scientists and research teams working in biology, neuroscience, zoology, and related life sciences fields.

2. Can researchers apply directly?

Yes. Self-applications are accepted and must be submitted in English.

3. What is the submission deadline?

All nominations and applications must be submitted by 15 April 2026.

4. How many finalists are selected?

Thirty applicants are shortlisted, and ten finalists are selected by the jury.

5. When and where is the final presentation?

Finalists present at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin on 9 November 2026.

6. What do nominators receive if their nominee is shortlisted?

Nominators of shortlisted projects receive a free ticket to attend the Science Summit.

7. What do awardees gain?

Awardees gain global recognition, presentation opportunities, access to interdisciplinary networks, and professional science communication support.

Key Facts at a Glance

Conclusion

The Falling Walls Global Call for Science Breakthroughs 2026 in Life Sciences honors visionary scientists whose work expands the boundaries of biological knowledge while addressing urgent global challenges.

Researchers advancing human and planetary health through groundbreaking, interdisciplinary life sciences research are encouraged to submit nominations or applications before 15 April 2026 and seize the opportunity to present their breakthrough on a global stage in Berlin.

For more information, visit Falling Walls Foundation.

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