Deadline:
April 30, 2025
Location(s)
Germany Online
Overview
Become the Science Breakthrough of the Year in Science Engagement!
Details
Do you engage the public with science?
Are you aware of or involved in a Science Engagement initiative focusing on climate change and actively involving the public in science? We invite nominations and applications during the Global Call 2025 in the Science Engagement category.
The Falling Walls Engage Pitches take place annually in Berlin on 7 November as part of the Falling Walls Science Summit, which runs from 7-9 November. This in-person event brings together the global science community.
Selected Science Engagement practitioners have the opportunity to gain international visibility and connect with other inspiring practitioners engaging audiences with science worldwide.
Please find information on this page about the application process.
Science Engagement
We define Science Engagement as activities, events, or interactions bridging the gap between science and society to generate mutual learning and mutual benefits across the spectrum of public engagement in science and interactive science communication.
Engagement is per definition a two-way process with the goal to shape and co-create scientific process together, to promote active involvement of publics in scientific knowledge production.
Since 2024 we have been setting a special focus on climate change, sustainability and innovation. In particular, we are looking for creative projects focusing on sustainability and climate adaptation impacting target groups who are dealing with the effects of climate change. The projects applying for the Falling Walls Engage Pitches are required to address climate adaptation as a core element.
Impact
We define the impact of Science Engagement initiatives as long-lasting improvements on people’s lives. By offering opportunities to participate actively in scientific processes and become an integral part in scientific developments, Science Engagement empowers people to make informed and fact-based decisions. Thus, it has a positive impact on the empowerment of all people, co-creative knowledge production, the perception of scientific facts and overall the wellbeing of our society.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
- Organisations and individuals active in Science Engagement.
- All disciplines and project sizes with special attention to the realm of sustainability and climate adaptation are welcome.
- Applications must be submitted in English.
- Projects, which never have presented on (physical or digital) stage of Falling Walls Engage Pitches.
The Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year in the category Science Engagement is an exemplary, inspiring, and impactful initiative that:
- breaks down walls between science and society with its individual approach on climate change;
- engages with people in the process of science, promotes opportunities for co-learning, co-leadership and co-creation and creates excitement for and trust in science;
- shows a project that is new, unique, innovative, forward-thinking and entrepreneurial.
Selection criteria:
- Impact (40%): Initiatives with measurable and significant, lasting and sustained impact that have long-term impact in people's lives and on climate adaptation as a result.
- Innovation (30%): New, unique, inspiring, entrepreneurial, and forward-thinking projects that tackle the biggest challenges of our time, such as climate change.
- Approach (20%): Inclusive participatory formats of all levels: from public panels to arts-driven or entertaining approaches to co-productive research. The common ground is a two-way process with the goal to shape and co-create scientific knowledge together.
- Overall Impression (10%): Structure and quality of application. On 7 November: Structure and quality of pitch presentation on stage in front of an international audience.
Eligibility criteria:
- The applicant/nominee must be 18 years or older when submitting the application.
- The project/initiative must already be running and active at the time of the application. Being in the funding or idea phase is not considered as a running project.
Dates
Deadline: April 30, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
Benefits for all 30 Shortlisted Applicants
- Unique networking-opportunities with like-minded Science Engagement practitioners & professionals and peers around the world.
- Hands-on pitch training session to refine your presentation and storytelling skills.
- Increased reach and visibility for you and your initiative on a global level.
- Access to a digital and global community network to connect and collaborate with community members.
Extra benefits for the 15 Finalists
- Get a travel scholarship for Berlin from 5-10 November 2025 and a ticket for the Falling Walls Science Summit 2025 and showcase your project to an international audience and a distinguished jury on stage on 7 November.
- Have the chance to become the Science Breakthrough of the Year 2025, Science Engagement.
- Have in depth co-learning and peer exchange with Falling Walls Community members, partners and global leaders.
- Your live pitch published in our growing Falling Walls media library.
Extra benefits for the Science Breakthrough of the Year
- Pitch your project in front of a physical and virtual audience of global leaders, award-winning professionals, media, and industry-experts on 9 November on the grand stage of the Falling Walls Science Summit.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
