Falling Walls Global Call Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2027 (Fully Funded)

Call for Applications

Applications for the Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2027 open on 1 October 2026 via the Falling Walls Global Call.

Intensive Track 2027

The Female Science Talents Intensive Track goes into the next round! For 2027, we are looking for 20 exceptionally talented women* in science from all disciplines to take part in our one-year career programme.

The Intensive Track is a one-year programme supporting 20 outstanding early-career women* in science from all disciplines to take the next step in their careers. 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 new pathways toward leadership. The programme fosters peer exchange, community building, and active engagement within the wider Female Science Talents and Falling Walls networks.

Read our FAQ section below for a more in-depth look into the Female Science Talents Intensive Track!

Benefits of the Intensive Track

The Intensive Track programme offers selected participants a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development:

Participate in two high-level Gatherings in Berlin: Join the International Spring Gathering and International Fall Gathering at the Falling Walls Science Summit 2027. Travel costs incl. accommodation will be fully covered for both events.
Skill-Enhancement Workshops and Career Talks: Attend a series of online and in-person workshops on topics like science entrepreneurship, science communication, leadership, and more.
Peer Exchange with Fellow Talents: Connect with like-minded, high-potential scientists from various disciplines in a vibrant and diverse learning community.
Exclusive Networking Opportunities: Engage with Female Science Talents role models and women leaders in academia, business, and politics, including representatives from our official partners: Bayer Foundation, Elsevier Foundation, Volkswagen Foundation, EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg, and the German Research Foundation.
Access to the Falling Walls Community: Expand your network through the Falling Walls Venture, Engage, and Lab communities.
Visibility and Reach: Benefit from increased visibility via the Falling Walls Community, sharing your work and insights with a global audience.

Selection Criteria

We invite applications from PhD students in the final stages of their research, as well as from postdoctoral researchers who completed their PhD in 2021 or later. Candidates from all academic disciplines and from universities or research institutions worldwide are welcome to apply. We equally welcome applicants with qualifications equivalent to a PhD or postdoctoral experience — such as medical degrees or other advanced professional scientific training.

We are especially seeking candidates who:

Excel in their Scientific Field: Demonstrate outstanding research, innovative thinking, and a commitment to advancing knowledge in their discipline.
Actively Contribute to the Programme and Community:
- Engage in Peer-to-Peer Learning: Share skills and insights in interactive sessions and small group discussions.
- Mentor the Next Cohort: Support future participants through mentorship, offering guidance to help them thrive in the cohort of 2028 (up to 6 times per year).
- Initiate and Engage in Community Events: Organise engaging events like panel discussions or knowledge-sharing sessions that bring added value to the community.
- Are Proactive and Collaborative: Enthusiastically participate in programme workshops, contribute ideas, and foster a positive and supportive atmosphere for all participants.
Have Solid Communication Skills: Fluency in English, ability to communicate research and career goals to a wider audience, good self-presentation skills.

We look forward to welcoming driven, talented women who are ready to make a meaningful contribution to our community and beyond! We are especially encouraging women* from the Global South to apply.

Timeline and Availability

The programme will commence in February 2027 and run through January 2028. Successful applicants take part once or twice a month in online events such as workshops, career talks or peer-to-peer sessions (approximately 60 minutes per session) and travel to Berlin (Germany) twice: for 4 days in May and for 6 days in November.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit our online platform and fill in the application form. In this form you will be asked to:

Tell us about yourself (300 characters limit incl. spaces).
Describe your research (300 characters limit incl. spaces).
Outline your career goals and vision (300 characters limit incl. spaces).
Describe how this programme can support your objectives (300 characters limit incl. spaces).
Explain how you can positively contribute to the programme, e.g., your skills or expertise (300 characters limit incl. spaces).

Additionally, you will be asked to upload the following documents:

Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlight the key stages and achievements of your career (tabular format).
Video Introduction: Share more about yourself and your motivation in a video (mp4, maximum 2 minutes).

We look forward to welcoming driven, talented women who are ready to make a meaningful contribution to our community and beyond! We especially encourage women from the Global South to apply.