Scholarship Overview
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Programme Overview
The Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2027 is a prestigious one-year career acceleration programme designed to support 20 outstanding early-career women scientists from all disciplines. Organised by Falling Walls, the programme runs from February 2027 to January 2028, combining online skill development with two fully funded in-person gatherings in Berlin, Germany.
The initiative specifically targets researchers ready to advance toward leadership positions, offering structured mentoring, peer exchange, and high-visibility networking opportunities with leaders in academia, business, and policy.
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What the Programme Covers
Selected participants receive comprehensive support with no participation fees:
- Two fully funded trips to Berlin: 4-day International Spring Gathering (May 2027) and 6-day International Fall Gathering at the Falling Walls Science Summit (November 2027). Travel, accommodation, and catering costs are fully covered.
- Skill-enhancement workshops: Regular online and in-person sessions covering science entrepreneurship, science communication, leadership, pitch training, and female leadership.
- Peer-to-peer mentoring: Alumni from previous cohorts mentor current participants through 3 formal and at least 2 informal meetings, with mutual knowledge exchange.
- Exclusive networking: Direct access to representatives from Bayer Foundation, Elsevier Foundation, Volkswagen Foundation, EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg, and the German Research Foundation.
- Global visibility: Amplified reach through Falling Walls Community channels including Venture, Engage, and Lab networks.
- Certificate of participation: Awarded upon programme completion.
Eligibility Requirements
The programme welcomes applicants from all countries, with special encouragement for women from the Global South, including Zimbabwe and SADC nations.
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Academic Status
- PhD students in final stages of research, or
- Postdoctoral researchers who completed their PhD in 2021 or later (per 2027 cohort criteria)
- Equivalent qualifications accepted: medical degrees or other advanced professional scientific training
Personal Qualities
- Demonstrated research excellence and innovative thinking
- Commitment to peer-to-peer learning and community contribution
- Willingness to mentor the 2028 cohort (up to 6 sessions per year)
- Proactive engagement in organising community events
- Fluency in English with strong communication and self-presentation skills
Inclusive Gender Definition
Female Science Talents recognises that gender is not binary. The programme welcomes applications from cis and trans women, as well as genderqueer and non-binary people.
Application Process and Timeline
Key Dates
- Application opens: 1 October 2026
- Application deadline: 15 November 2026, 23:59 CET
- Selection decision: End of December 2026
- Notification to selected participants: January 2027
- Programme kick-off: January/February 2027
Application Components
Applicants must complete an online form with five 300-character responses covering:
- Personal introduction
- Research description
- Career goals and vision
- How the programme supports your objectives
- Your potential contribution to the community
Additionally, submit:
- Curriculum Vitae: Tabular format highlighting key career stages and achievements
- Video introduction: Maximum 2 minutes (MP4 format), sharing motivation and personal background
Time Commitment and Programme Structure
Participants should allocate approximately 3–5 hours monthly for online activities:
- Monthly online workshops, career talks, and peer-to-peer sessions (approximately 60 minutes each, once or twice monthly)
- Two in-person gatherings in Berlin: 4 days in May and 6 days in November 2027
Attendance at 80% of programme components is expected where time zones permit. Online sessions are recorded for those unable to attend live.
Travel and Logistics for African Participants
For researchers travelling from Zimbabwe, SADC, or other African regions:
- Flight booking: For overseas flights (outside Europe), Falling Walls books tickets directly
- Visa support: Invitation letters provided; participants should apply immediately upon receipt as processing takes 8–12 weeks. Additional documentation including proof of accommodation is supplied. Visa application costs are not covered.
- Stay extension: Arrival or departure up to 5 days before or after event dates permitted if not more expensive than original itinerary
- Exclusions: Taxi travel and travel insurance are not covered due to budget constraints
Selection Process
An expert jury evaluates applications based on:
- Scientific excellence and innovation
- Motivation and candidate potential
- Self-presentation quality
- Commitment to community contribution
Final decisions are communicated by email in January 2027.
Alumni Network and Community
Since 2022, the Intensive Track has built a global alumni network. The 2026 cohort includes researchers from institutions such as University of Geneva, KU Leuven, University of Southampton, University of British Columbia, and Makerere University. Participants join a lifelong community with ongoing access to Falling Walls networks and collaboration opportunities.
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
