Deadline: 15-Apr-2026
The Women’s Impact Award 2026 celebrates women researchers whose work combines scientific excellence with meaningful societal impact. Open to postdoctoral researchers and above, this award supports projects that promote gender equality, empower underserved communities, and implement solutions in real-world settings. Applications and nominations are now open as part of the Falling Walls Global Call for Science Breakthroughs.
What is the Women’s Impact Award?
The Women’s Impact Award honors women who integrate outstanding research with tangible societal benefits. It specifically recognizes research that promotes gender equality through inclusive and gender-sensitive methods, empowers underserved communities by improving access to essential services, and reduces inequality in social, economic, or health outcomes. This award is a joint initiative by the Falling Walls Foundation and the Elsevier Foundation, forming part of the Falling Walls Global Call for Science Breakthroughs.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria: Professional Level: Postdoctoral researchers or above, including research fellows, senior researchers, principal investigators, group leaders, and professors. Individuals holding equivalent levels of professional independence and responsibility. Identity Inclusivity: Cis and trans women, genderqueer, and non-binary individuals are welcome. Project Requirements: Research must be actively running at the time of submission. Projects can involve collecting or analysing data, piloting or testing interventions, or implementing solutions in real-world settings. Projects that are only ideas, in proposal stage, or seeking funding are not eligible. Impact Criteria: Research should combine scientific excellence with real-world societal impact. Projects do not need to focus exclusively on women or girls, but must demonstrate equity, inclusion, and positive change.
Why It Matters
The Women’s Impact Award highlights research that goes beyond academia. It encourages projects that address societal inequalities and gender disparities, translate scientific research into practical solutions, and inspire inclusive innovation and global impact. By celebrating these contributions, the award strengthens the role of women in science and promotes research that benefits communities worldwide.
How to Apply / How It Works
Applications must be submitted in English. Applicants submit details of their ongoing research and its societal impact. Nominations can be made by universities and research institutions, companies with research laboratories, scientific foundations, partner organizations of Falling Walls, and leading scientists in the field. Submission Timeline: The Global Call for Science Breakthroughs 2026 is currently open. Applications and nominations will be reviewed based on scientific merit and societal impact. Evaluation Process: 1. Initial screening for eligibility. 2. Assessment of scientific excellence and real-world impact. 3. Shortlisting and final selection by expert panel.
Tips and Common Mistakes
Do: Clearly show how your research creates tangible societal benefits, highlight gender equality or inclusion measures, and ensure your project is actively running. Don’t: Submit projects that are only in idea or proposal stages, overlook the requirement for English submissions, or neglect to demonstrate measurable impact on communities or society.
FAQs
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Can collaborative projects with multiple leaders apply? Yes, as long as the applicant is leading or substantially contributing to the project.
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Do projects need to focus exclusively on women or girls? No, but they must demonstrate commitment to equity, inclusion, and societal impact.
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Who can nominate a candidate? Universities, research institutions, companies with labs, scientific foundations, Falling Walls partners, and leading scientists.
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Are non-binary or genderqueer applicants eligible? Yes, the award uses an inclusive definition of women.
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Can a project seeking funding apply? No, only projects that are actively running at the time of submission are eligible.
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What is the required language for submission? All applications and nominations must be submitted in English.
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What professional levels are eligible? Postdoctoral researchers or above, including research fellows, senior researchers, principal investigators, group leaders, and professors.
Conclusion
The Women’s Impact Award 2026 celebrates women in science whose research drives real-world societal change. By combining scientific excellence with inclusive, impactful projects, this award recognizes research that addresses inequality, empowers communities, and promotes global gender equity. Applications and nominations are open now, making this a prime opportunity for eligible researchers to gain recognition and support for transformative work.
For more information, visit Falling Walls Foundation.
