Scholarship Overview
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Overview
The Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2027 is a prestigious one-year career development programme designed for 20 outstanding early-career women scientists from all disciplines and regions worldwide. Organised by Falling Walls, the programme runs from February 2027 to January 2028, combining online skill-building sessions with two fully funded in-person gatherings in Berlin, Germany.
For researchers based in Zimbabwe and the broader SADC region, this represents a rare opportunity to gain international visibility, build cross-continental networks, and access mentorship from established leaders in academia, business, and policy—without bearing any programme costs.
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What the Programme Covers
The Intensive Track is entirely free of charge. Selected participants receive comprehensive support including:
- Two fully funded trips to Berlin: International Spring Gathering (4 days in May 2027) and International Fall Gathering (6 days in November 2027), with all travel costs and accommodation covered
- Online workshops and career talks: Regular sessions on science entrepreneurship, science communication, leadership, and pitch training (approximately 3–5 hours monthly)
- Peer-to-peer mentoring: Alumni from previous cohorts mentor current participants through structured and informal meetings
- Exclusive networking: Direct engagement with women leaders from partner organisations including Bayer Foundation, Elsevier Foundation, Volkswagen Foundation, EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg, and the German Research Foundation
- Global visibility: Promotion of participants’ research through Falling Walls communication channels
- Certificate of participation: Awarded upon programme completion
Eligibility Criteria
The programme welcomes applications from candidates who meet the following requirements:
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- Career stage: PhD students in final stages of research, OR postdoctoral researchers who completed their PhD in 2021 or later
- Alternative qualifications: Medical degrees or other advanced professional scientific training equivalent to PhD/postdoctoral experience are accepted
- Discipline: All academic disciplines are eligible
- Institution: Any university or research institution worldwide
- Language: Fluency in English with strong communication and self-presentation skills
- Commitment: Willingness to actively contribute through peer learning, mentoring future cohorts, and organising community events
The programme uses an inclusive definition of women, welcoming applications from cis and trans women, as well as genderqueer and non-binary people. Candidates from the Global South, including African nations, are especially encouraged to apply.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following through the online platform:
- Personal statement (600 characters including spaces): Tell us about yourself
- Research description (600 characters including spaces)
- Career goals and vision (600 characters including spaces)
- Programme alignment (600 characters including spaces): How this programme supports your objectives
- Community contribution (600 characters including spaces): Skills or expertise you will bring
- Curriculum Vitae: Tabular format highlighting key career stages and achievements
- Video introduction: Maximum 2 minutes (MP4 format), sharing motivation and background
Timeline and Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application opens | 1 October 2026 |
| Application deadline | 15 November 2026, 23:59 CET |
| Jury selection | November–December 2026 |
| Notification to selected participants | January 2027 |
| Programme kick-off | January/February 2027 |
| International Spring Gathering | May 2027 (4 days) |
| International Fall Gathering | November 2027 (6 days) |
| Programme conclusion | January 2028 |
Travel and Logistics for African Participants
The Falling Walls Foundation manages travel arrangements comprehensively:
- Flights: For overseas travel (outside Europe), flights are booked directly by the Foundation
- European travel: Participants pay and keep receipts for reimbursement after the event
- Visa support: Invitation letters and accommodation proof provided; participants should apply immediately upon receiving invitation as processing takes 8–12 weeks
- Extended stay: Arrival or departure up to 5 days before/after events permitted if costs do not exceed original itinerary
Important: Visa application fees, travel insurance, and taxi fares are not covered due to budget restrictions.
Participant Commitment
Selected participants are expected to attend approximately 80% of programme activities, including:
- Monthly online sessions (workshops, career talks, peer exchanges—approximately 60 minutes each)
- Two in-person gatherings in Berlin
- Peer-to-peer learning sessions where participants share expertise
- Mentorship of the 2028 cohort (up to 6 sessions annually)
- Organisation of community events such as panel discussions
Online sessions are recorded for those unable to attend live, though active participation is strongly encouraged.
2026 Cohort: Representative Institutions
The 2026 cohort includes researchers from institutions relevant to African applicants, including: University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), South African Medical Research Council, Makerere University (Uganda), Ahmadu Bello University (Nigeria), National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (Namibia), and École Nationale Supérieure des Travaux Publics (Cameroon).
Official scholarship page: https://falling-walls.com/female-science-talents/intensive-track
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
