Falling Walls Foundation Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2027 (Fully-funded)
Overview
The Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2027, run by the Falling Walls Foundation, is a one-year career programme for 20 outstanding early-career women in science from all disciplines. Through skill-enhancement workshops, mentoring and participation in high-level events in Berlin, participants build an international network, gain visibility for their research and explore pathways toward leadership. The programme also encourages peer exchange and active involvement in the wider Female Science Talents and Falling Walls communities.
What you get
Participants attend two gatherings in Berlin, the International Spring Gathering and the International Fall Gathering at the Falling Walls Science Summit 2027, with travel and accommodation fully covered for both. They also join online and in-person workshops on topics such as science entrepreneurship, science communication and leadership, and take part in a diverse peer community of scientists.
Networking opportunities include role models and women leaders from academia, business and politics, including representatives of partners such as the Bayer Foundation, the Elsevier Foundation, the Volkswagen Foundation, EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg and the German Research Foundation. Participants also gain access to the Falling Walls Venture, Engage and Lab communities and increased visibility for their work.
Who can apply
Applications are invited from PhD students in the final stages of their research and from postdoctoral researchers who completed their PhD in 2021 or later. All academic disciplines and institutions worldwide are welcome, as are applicants with equivalent qualifications such as medical degrees or other advanced scientific training. Women from the Global South are especially encouraged to apply. Candidates should show outstanding research, fluency in English, strong communication skills, and a willingness to contribute to the community, for example by mentoring the 2028 cohort up to six times a year and organising community events.
How to apply
The online application form has five short answers of 300 characters each, covering the applicant, their research, career goals and vision, how the programme can support them, and how they can contribute. Applicants also upload a CV in tabular format and a video introduction of up to two minutes in mp4 format.
Key dates
The application deadline is November 15, 2026.