About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Falling Walls Foundation Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2027 | Career Development Programme for Women in Science
The Falling Walls Foundation is inviting applications for its Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2027, a one-year career development programme designed to support 20 outstanding early-career women in science from around the world.
The programme helps talented researchers strengthen their leadership skills, increase the visibility of their research, build international networks and explore new career opportunities. Through mentoring, professional development workshops, career talks and high-level scientific gatherings in Berlin, participants gain opportunities to grow as researchers and future leaders.
Women from all academic disciplines and research institutions worldwide are welcome to apply. The foundation particularly encourages applications from women in the Global South.
About the Female Science Talents Intensive Track
The Female Science Talents Intensive Track is designed to help promising women researchers advance their scientific careers and prepare for leadership opportunities.
Over the course of one year, selected participants take part in activities focused on leadership, science communication, entrepreneurship and professional development. The programme also promotes peer learning, collaboration and engagement with a wider international community of scientists and professionals.
Participants are encouraged to share their research, learn from experienced women leaders and build relationships that can support their long-term professional growth.
The programme welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, creating opportunities for scientists to exchange ideas across disciplines and explore new approaches to research and leadership.
Benefits of the Programme
Selected participants will have access to a range of professional development and networking opportunities.
1. International Gatherings in Berlin
Participants will be invited to two high-level events in Berlin:
International Spring Gathering.
International Fall Gathering at the Falling Walls Science Summit 2027.
Travel costs and accommodation for both gatherings will be fully covered, according to the programme announcement.
2. Professional Development Workshops
Participants will attend online and in-person workshops and career talks covering topics such as:
Science communication.
Leadership development.
Science entrepreneurship.
Career planning and professional growth.
Communicating research to wider audiences.
These activities aim to equip participants with skills that extend beyond their specialist research areas.
3. Mentoring and Peer Learning
The programme offers opportunities to learn from other high-potential women scientists and exchange experiences across different disciplines.
Participants can share knowledge, discuss career challenges and benefit from a supportive international community.
4. Networking with Women Leaders
Selected participants will have opportunities to connect with role models and women leaders from academia, business and politics.
The programme's network includes representatives associated with partners such as the Bayer Foundation, Elsevier Foundation, Volkswagen Foundation, EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg and the German Research Foundation.
5. Access to the Falling Walls Community
Participants can expand their professional networks through the wider Falling Walls ecosystem, including its Venture, Engage and Lab communities.
6. Greater Visibility for Research
The programme offers opportunities to share research and professional insights with a wider audience through the Falling Walls community.
This visibility can help participants communicate their work, establish connections and explore future career opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements
The programme invites applications from women researchers who demonstrate scientific excellence, communication skills and a commitment to contributing to a collaborative learning community.
Academic and Professional Eligibility
Applicants should fall into one of the following categories:
PhD candidates: Doctoral researchers who are in the final stages of their research.
Postdoctoral researchers: Researchers who completed their PhD in 2021 or later.
Equivalent qualifications: Applicants with qualifications or professional scientific training equivalent to a PhD or postdoctoral experience, such as relevant medical degrees or advanced scientific training.
Candidates from all academic disciplines and universities or research institutions worldwide are welcome to apply.
Desired Qualities
Successful applicants should demonstrate the following qualities:
Scientific excellence: A strong research profile, innovative thinking and a commitment to advancing knowledge in their field.
Communication skills: Fluency in English and the ability to communicate research findings, professional ambitions and career goals to a wider audience.
Collaboration: A willingness to exchange ideas, share expertise and contribute to a supportive community of researchers.
Leadership potential: An interest in developing leadership skills and exploring future career opportunities.
Active participation: A willingness to contribute to workshops, peer-learning sessions and community activities.
Commitment to the Programme
Participants are expected to contribute actively to the programme beyond attending workshops.
This includes:
Sharing knowledge and experience through peer-to-peer learning.
Supporting future participants through mentorship, potentially up to six times per year.
Initiating or participating in community events, such as panel discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions.
Contributing ideas and helping create a collaborative environment.
Women from the Global South are particularly encouraged to apply.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must complete an online application form and upload the required supporting documents.
1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Prepare a tabular CV highlighting the key stages of your career, relevant research experience and major achievements.
Focus on presenting your scientific background and professional development clearly.
2. Video Introduction
Submit a video introducing yourself and explaining your motivation for joining the programme.
Format: MP4
Maximum duration: Two minutes
Use the video to communicate your research interests, career ambitions and reasons for applying in a clear and engaging manner.
Application Questions
The online application form asks candidates to provide short responses to five questions. Each response has a maximum of 300 characters, including spaces.
Applicants should prepare concise answers addressing:
About yourself: Introduce your background and professional identity.
Your research: Briefly describe your research focus.
Career goals and vision: Explain your long-term professional ambitions.
Programme relevance: Describe how the Intensive Track could help you achieve your objectives.
Your contribution: Explain what skills, knowledge or experience you would bring to the programme.
Because the character limit is strict, applicants should use clear, specific language and focus on their strongest points.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your application:
Review the eligibility criteria: Confirm that your academic qualifications and career stage meet the programme requirements.
Prepare your CV: Organise your research experience, education and achievements in a clear tabular format.
Develop your application responses: Draft concise answers to all five questions, keeping each within the 300-character limit.
Record your video introduction: Prepare a video of no more than two minutes explaining who you are and why you want to participate.
Complete the online application: Enter the required information and upload your CV and video.
Review and submit: Check that all responses and attachments meet the programme's requirements before submitting.
Applicants are encouraged to present their achievements authentically and explain how they intend to contribute to the programme's community.
Application Deadline
November 15, 2026
Interested researchers should submit their applications before the deadline and allow enough time to prepare the short written responses, CV and video introduction.
How to apply