Deadline: 15-Apr-2026
The Falling Walls Global Call for Science Breakthroughs 2026 – Physical Sciences invites nominations and applications from researchers driving transformative discoveries in physics, chemistry, materials science, energy, and related fields. Finalists will present at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin on 9 November 2026, gaining global visibility and access to an influential international network. Projects are evaluated based on breakthrough potential, innovation, societal relevance, and academic excellence.
Category: Physical Sciences
The Falling Walls Foundation is accepting nominations and applications for the Science Breakthrough of the Year 2026 in Physical Sciences.
This global call highlights visionary research that pushes scientific frontiers while contributing to solutions for global challenges. Selected finalists will present their work at the prestigious Falling Walls Science Summit 2026 in Berlin, Germany.
About the Physical Sciences Category
The Physical Sciences category recognizes groundbreaking work in:
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Quantum physics
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Materials science
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Energy solutions and sustainability
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Chemistry and applied chemistry
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Advanced physics research
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Interdisciplinary physical sciences
The focus is on transformative discoveries that redefine understanding of the universe and drive technological innovation.
What Qualifies as a Breakthrough?
A breakthrough in Physical Sciences may include:
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Revolutionary theoretical insights
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Experimental discoveries with paradigm-shifting impact
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Novel materials with disruptive applications
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Advanced energy technologies
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Interdisciplinary solutions combining physics, chemistry, and engineering
Projects must demonstrate both scientific excellence and long-term societal relevance.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Falling Walls Global Call is one of the world’s leading platforms for scientific recognition.
Selected researchers gain:
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International visibility
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Presentation before a distinguished jury
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Access to the Falling Walls global innovation network
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Interaction with leaders in science, politics, business, and media
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Opportunity to pitch at the Falling Walls Science Summit 2026
The Science Summit is a four-day global conference featuring keynotes, debates, and innovation pitches.
Who Can Nominate or Apply?
The call is open globally.
Eligible Nominators
Nominations may be submitted by:
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Leading academics
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Universities
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Research organisations
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Companies
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Public and private research centres
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Academies
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Research funders
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Foundations
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Individuals
Self-Nominations
Researchers may also apply directly through the official online platform.
If a nominated project becomes a finalist, the nominator receives:
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A free ticket to attend the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin
Selection Process: Step-by-Step
The evaluation process follows a structured pathway.
Step 1: Submission
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Nomination by third party OR
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Direct self-application via online platform
Step 2: Shortlisting
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30 applicants are shortlisted based on eligibility and quality standards
Step 3: Finalist Selection
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A jury selects 10 finalists from the shortlist
Step 4: Science Breakthrough of the Year
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Finalists compete for the title
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Winners present on the main stage in Berlin
Final Presentation Date
9 November 2026 – Berlin, Germany
Evaluation Criteria
Projects are assessed proportionally across four core criteria:
1. Breakthrough Potential
Does the research fundamentally challenge existing knowledge?
2. Innovation Level
How novel and transformative is the approach or discovery?
3. Societal Relevance
Does the work address global challenges such as climate change, energy security, sustainability, or technological equity?
4. Academic Excellence
Is the research methodologically rigorous and scientifically robust?
The jury strongly encourages interdisciplinary approaches and clear communication of complex ideas.
What Makes a Strong Application?
To stand out:
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Clearly articulate the scientific problem addressed
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Demonstrate measurable impact or disruptive potential
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Show interdisciplinary collaboration
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Provide strong evidence of peer-reviewed validation
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Communicate complex ideas in accessible language
Clarity and societal impact are as important as technical rigor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overly technical explanations without societal context
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Failing to articulate breakthrough significance
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Weak evidence of originality
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Poorly structured applications
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Ignoring interdisciplinary implications
Ensure your submission connects scientific discovery to broader impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the Physical Sciences category?
Researchers, research teams, or scientists working in physics, chemistry, materials science, energy research, and related fields worldwide.
2. Are self-nominations allowed?
Yes. Researchers may apply directly through the official online platform.
3. What happens after nomination?
Thirty applicants are shortlisted. From these, ten finalists are selected to compete for the Science Breakthrough of the Year.
4. When and where will finalists present?
Finalists present at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin on 9 November 2026.
5. What are the main evaluation criteria?
Breakthrough potential, innovation, societal relevance, and academic excellence.
6. Do nominators receive any benefit?
Yes. If a nominated project becomes a finalist, the nominator receives a free ticket to attend the Science Summit.
7. Is interdisciplinary research encouraged?
Yes. Projects that integrate multiple scientific domains and address global challenges are strongly encouraged.
Key Facts at a Glance
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Program: Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year 2026
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Category: Physical Sciences
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Location of Final Presentation: Berlin, Germany
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Event: Falling Walls Science Summit 2026
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Final Presentation Date: 9 November 2026
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Shortlist: 30 applicants
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Finalists: 10 researchers or teams
Conclusion
The Falling Walls Global Call for Science Breakthroughs 2026 in Physical Sciences recognizes transformative research that challenges scientific boundaries and drives societal progress.
For researchers advancing quantum physics, advanced materials, energy innovation, or interdisciplinary scientific solutions, this platform offers unparalleled global exposure and the opportunity to present breakthrough discoveries on an international stage in Berlin.
Visionary scientists with transformative research are encouraged to submit nominations or applications and contribute to shaping the future of science and society.
For more information, visit Falling Walls Foundation.
