Falling Walls Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2027
The Falling Walls Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2027 is a one-year career development programme for outstanding early-career women and gender-diverse researchers from around the world.
- DurationFebruary 2027 – January 2028
- Who can applyWorldwide
- Application feeFree
Overview
The programme runs from February 2027 to January 2028 and selects 20 participants from all academic disciplines. Applications are open until November 15, 2026.
The Intensive Track is a one-year programme designed to help early-career researchers develop their careers and explore leadership opportunities.
Participants take part in online workshops, career talks, peer-learning sessions and mentoring. They also attend two international gatherings in Berlin, including the Falling Walls Science Summit.
At a glance
About
- Host
- Falling Walls Foundation
- Location
- Hybrid — Online + Berlin, Germany
- Duration
- February 2027 – January 2028
- Detail
- Information
- Participants
- 20
- Gender
- Specifically for women and gender-diverse researchers
- Stage
- Timeline
- Applications open
- October 1, 2026
- Selection
- November–December 2026
- Participants notified
- January 2027
- Programme begins
- February 2027
- Spring berlin gathering
- May 2027
- Fall berlin gathering
- November 2027
- Programme ends
- January 2028
Funding
- Application fee
- Free
- Travel
- Covered for two Berlin gatherings
- Accommodation
- Covered for two Berlin gatherings
- Visa costs
- None
- Travel insurance
- None
Eligibility
- Minimum degree required
- PhD in final stage / equivalent advanced qualification
- Work experience
- None
- Age limit
- None
- Nationality
- Worldwide
Who can apply
The programme is open to:
- PhD students in the final stage of their research
- Postdoctoral researchers who completed their PhD in 2021 or later
- Researchers with equivalent qualifications, including certain medical degrees or advanced professional scientific training
- Researchers from all academic disciplines
- Candidates from universities and research institutions worldwide
The programme welcomes cis and trans women, genderqueer and non-binary applicants. Applicants from the Global South are especially encouraged to apply.
Applicants need to provide:
- Short answers about themselves
- A description of their research
- Career goals and vision
- How the programme would support their objectives
- How they would contribute to the programme
- CV in tabular format
- Video introduction of up to 2 minutes
The application responses have a 600-character limit including spaces for each of the five questions.
What you get
The programme itself is free of charge.
For the two required Berlin gatherings, Falling Walls covers:
- Flights or eligible travel costs
- Accommodation
- Catering
- Public transportation
For participants travelling from outside Europe, Falling Walls can arrange the international flight. For reimbursable travel, participants may initially pay the cost and receive reimbursement after submitting the required documentation.
Are There Any Hidden Charges?
There is no participation fee.
However, applicants should budget for:
- Visa application expenses — not covered
- Travel insurance — not covered
- Taxi expenses — not covered
- Personal expenses
Falling Walls assists with the visa invitation and procedure but explicitly states that visa-related expenses are the participant’s responsibility.
Fields & areas
The programme accepts researchers from all academic disciplines.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Scientific excellence
- Innovative thinking
- Commitment to advancing knowledge
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to communicate their research to a wider audience
- Motivation to develop their career and leadership potential
How to apply
- Check that you meet the PhD/postdoctoral eligibility requirements.
- Prepare your CV.
- Record your maximum two-minute video introduction.
- Complete the five short application questions.
- Submit your application through the Falling Walls application platform.
- Apply before November 15, 2026, 23:59 CET.
What Does the Programme Offer?
Selected participants receive:
- Skill-enhancement workshops
- Leadership and career development
- Science communication and entrepreneurship training
- Peer-to-peer learning
- Mentoring
- Networking with women leaders in science, business and politics
- Access to the wider Falling Walls community
- Increased visibility for their research
- Participation in two Berlin gatherings
Travel and accommodation costs for both Berlin gatherings are fully covered by the Falling Walls Foundation.
Minimum Degree Required
Applicants should be in the final stage of a PhD or be a postdoctoral researcher who completed their PhD in 2021 or later.
Equivalent advanced scientific qualifications may also be accepted.
Nationality
All nationalities are eligible.
Candidates can apply from universities and research institutions worldwide. Falling Walls particularly encourages applications from researchers from the Global South.
Official Link
Final Note
The Falling Walls Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2027 is a strong opportunity for early-career researchers looking for international networking, leadership development and greater visibility for their scientific work.
Application deadline: November 15, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2027 open?
Yes. Applications are open from October 1 to November 15, 2026.
Is it fully funded?
The programme is free, and travel and accommodation for the two Berlin gatherings are covered. However, visa expenses and travel insurance are not covered.
Is there an application fee?
No participation fee is charged.
Can international researchers apply?
Yes. Applicants from universities and research institutions worldwide can apply.
Can PhD students apply?
Yes. PhD students in the final stage of their research are eligible.
Can postdocs apply?
Yes. Postdoctoral researchers who completed their PhD in 2021 or later are eligible.
What is the deadline?
November 15, 2026, at 23:59 CET.
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