Call for Applications: Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2025

They support early-career talents in exploring new pathways toward leadership and enhance the global recognition of exceptional talents, while furthering the overarching promotion of women in science.

With the Intensive Track, they offer a year-long support programme for 20 exceptionally talented women across all scientific disciplines, with the aim of guiding them toward achieving significant career breakthroughs. Through online events, mentoring opportunities, and participation in high-level events in Berlin, they support them in building an international network and increasing their global recognition. Through a series of skill-enhancement workshops, they boost their career vision and facilitate their exploration of related fields.

Throughout the year, they also foster an environment for the 20 Champions to engage with one another, promoting peer exchange, community building and mutual support among them. They invite them to become an active part of the Female Science Talents community and connect with peers across the Falling Walls programmes and partner networks. They ensure visibility for their work through the communication channels of Female Science Talents and Falling Walls.

Benefits

• 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 2025. Travel scholarships are provided for both events.
  • Skill-Enhancement Workshops and Career Talks: Attend a series of online and in-person workshops on topics like female leadership, science entrepreneurship, science communication, pitch training, 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 their official partners.
  • 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.

Eligibility Criteria

• They welcome applications from PhD students in the final stages of their research and postdocs or those with equivalent qualifications from all scientific disciplines and from universities or research institutions worldwide. They are looking for candidates who not only excel in their fields but also bring an inspiring vision and dedication to their community.
• They 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 2026 (up to 4 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 Excellent Communication Skills: Fluency in English; good communication and self-presentation skills.

Application Requirements

• 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 3 minutes).

For more information, visit Falling Walls Foundation.