The Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year in Social Sciences and Humanities invites nominations and self-applications from internationally recognised scholars whose research advances understanding of human society and addresses major global challenges. Up to 30 applicants are shortlisted, 10 finalists are selected, and final awardees present their work on 9 November 2026 at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin. Evaluation is based on breakthrough potential, innovation, societal relevance, and academic excellence.

Category: Social Sciences and Humanities

The Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year in Social Sciences and Humanities recognizes established scholars whose groundbreaking research advances the understanding of social institutions, societal systems, and interpersonal relationships.

The award highlights transformative discoveries that contribute to solving major global challenges, including those aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Purpose of the Award

This category seeks to:

• Showcase pioneering research in social sciences and humanities

• Promote interdisciplinary solutions to global challenges

• Increase international visibility of outstanding scholars

• Strengthen science communication and public engagement

The initiative recognizes work that deepens insights into how societies function and how social systems can respond to contemporary global challenges.

Thematic Focus

Eligible research may contribute to areas such as:

• Sustainability

• Energy

• Health

• Societal institutions

• Social systems and governance

• Interpersonal and societal relationships

Projects are expected to demonstrate:

• Transformative discoveries

• Field-advancing scholarship

• Interdisciplinary potential

• Alignment with global development priorities, including the SDGs

Who Can Be Nominated or Apply?

The award targets:

• Internationally recognised scholars

• Established academics

• Research leaders in social sciences and humanities

Who Can Submit Nominations?

Nominations may be initiated by:

• Leading academics

• Universities

• Research organizations

• Companies

• Public and private research centres

• Academies

• Research funders

• Foundations

• Individuals

Self-applications are also accepted.

All submissions must be completed in English.

Benefits for Participants

International Visibility

Participants gain:

• The opportunity to present their work to a distinguished jury

• Recognition within the global Falling Walls network

Access to the Falling Walls Network

The network includes:

• Decision-makers

• Innovators

• Emerging talents

• Leaders across science, politics, business, and media

Science Communication Support

Finalists and awardees benefit from expertise in:

• Making research accessible

• Communicating complex ideas clearly

• Engaging broader audiences

Complimentary Ticket

Nominators of selected projects receive a complimentary ticket to the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin.

Selection Process

The selection process includes multiple stages:

1. Submission Phase

• Nominations and self-applications are submitted in English.

2. Shortlisting

• The jury reviews submissions.

• 30 applicants are shortlisted.

3. Finalist Selection

• From the shortlist, 10 finalists are selected.

4. Final Award Decision

• The respective juries select the final Science Breakthrough(s) of the Year.

• Awardees present their work on 9 November 2026 at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions are assessed proportionally based on:

• Breakthrough potential

• Level of innovation

• Societal relevance

• Academic excellence

• Interdisciplinary impact

Key Concepts Explained

Breakthrough Potential

The extent to which the research challenges existing knowledge or creates new paradigms within the field.

Societal Relevance

The contribution of the research to addressing pressing global challenges or improving societal systems.

Interdisciplinary Impact

The ability of the research to connect social sciences and humanities with other scientific domains to generate broader solutions.

How to Apply or Nominate

1. Identify an eligible internationally recognised scholar or prepare a self-application.

2. Ensure the project demonstrates transformative and interdisciplinary impact.

3. Complete the submission in English via the official online platform.

4. Submit before the specified deadline (as announced by Falling Walls).

5. Await review and potential shortlisting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting work without clear breakthrough potential

• Failing to demonstrate societal relevance

• Weak articulation of interdisciplinary impact

• Incomplete submissions or missing required information

• Overly technical communication without accessible explanation

Why This Award Matters

The Social Sciences and Humanities category recognizes research that deepens understanding of human society and contributes to addressing global challenges.

By combining academic excellence with societal relevance and interdisciplinary thinking, the award supports transformative scholarship that shapes the future of societies worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible for nomination?

Internationally recognised and established scholars in social sciences and humanities.

2. Can researchers apply directly?

Yes. Self-applications are accepted through the online platform.

3. In what language must submissions be made?

All submissions must be completed in English.

4. How many finalists are selected?

Thirty applicants are shortlisted, and ten finalists are selected.

5. When will the final award be presented?

On 9 November 2026 at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin.

6. What are the main evaluation criteria?

Breakthrough potential, innovation, societal relevance, academic excellence, and interdisciplinary impact.

7. What do nominators receive?

Nominators of selected projects receive a complimentary ticket to the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin.

Conclusion

The Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year in Social Sciences and Humanities recognizes internationally recognised scholars whose transformative research advances understanding of society and addresses global challenges. Through a rigorous selection process and presentation at the 2026 Science Summit in Berlin, the award highlights interdisciplinary, high-impact scholarship that contributes to shaping a more sustainable and equitable world.