Apply for the Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2027: Fully Funded Research Fellowship in Berlin

Application deadline: 15 November 2026

Applications are open for the Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2027, a one-year career development programme supporting 20 outstanding early-career women and gender-diverse researchers worldwide. Organised by the Falling Walls Foundation, the programme offers professional development, mentoring, international networking and opportunities to build leadership skills in science.

The programme is particularly encouraging applications from researchers in the Global South, including eligible applicants from Nigeria and other African countries. It aims to help emerging researchers strengthen their professional profiles, communicate their discoveries effectively and explore leadership opportunities beyond traditional academic pathways.

Running from February 2027 to January 2028, the programme combines online learning with two international gatherings in Berlin, Germany. Participation is free, with eligible travel expenses and accommodation for the gatherings covered by the organisers.

Application deadline: 15 November 2026.

About the Female Science Talents Intensive Track

The Female Science Talents Intensive Track is a professional development initiative designed to help promising researchers advance their careers, expand their influence and connect with an international scientific community.

The programme recognises that scientific excellence alone may not be enough to advance a research career. Researchers also need communication skills, leadership experience, professional networks and the ability to present their work to audiences outside their immediate disciplines.

Through workshops, mentoring and peer-to-peer learning, participants will explore science entrepreneurship, research communication, pitching and career development. They will also connect with experienced professionals and leaders from academia, business and politics.

The programme is organised by the Falling Walls Foundation, with support from partners including the Bayer Foundation, Elsevier Foundation, VolkswagenStiftung, EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg and the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Benefits of the Programme

Selected participants will receive the following benefits:

• Fully funded participation: No programme participation fee is required.
• International gatherings in Berlin: Attend a four-day gathering in May 2027 and a five-to-six-day gathering in November 2027.
• Travel and accommodation support: The organisers cover accommodation and catering for both gatherings and reimburse eligible travel costs. Overseas flights may be booked directly by the Foundation.
• Professional development: Participate in workshops covering leadership, science communication, entrepreneurship and pitch training.
• Mentorship: Learn from experienced researchers and members of the Female Science Talents alumni community.
• International networking: Connect with researchers, women leaders and role models across different scientific disciplines and professional sectors.
• Research visibility: Gain opportunities to showcase your work through Falling Walls communication channels.
• Community access: Connect with the wider Falling Walls community, including its Venture, Engage and Lab networks.
• Certificate of participation: Receive a certificate upon successful programme completion.

Important: Visa-related expenses are not covered. However, the Foundation assists participants with invitation documents and the visa process.

Eligibility Criteria

The Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2027 welcomes applications from researchers worldwide who meet the programme’s requirements.

Applicants should generally fall into one of these categories:

• PhD students approaching the final stages of their research.
• Postdoctoral researchers who completed their PhD in 2021 or later, according to the 2027 call.
• Researchers with equivalent qualifications or postdoctoral experience, including relevant medical degrees and advanced professional scientific training.
• Researchers working in any academic discipline at universities or research institutions.

The programme uses an inclusive definition of women and welcomes cis women, trans women, genderqueer and non-binary applicants.

Applicants from the Global South are particularly encouraged to apply.

Successful candidates should demonstrate scientific excellence, innovative thinking, motivation, clear communication skills and a commitment to contributing to the programme community.

Participants must be willing to share knowledge, collaborate with peers, contribute to community activities and support an inclusive learning environment.

Programme Commitment and Duration

The programme runs from February 2027 to January 2028, with an estimated commitment of three to five hours per month.

Participants will attend online workshops, mentoring sessions, career talks and peer-learning activities.

The two in-person gatherings are scheduled as follows:

• May 2027: Four-day International Spring Gathering.
• November 2027: Five-to-six-day International Fall Gathering, including participation in the Falling Walls Science Summit.

The programme language is English, so applicants should be comfortable discussing their research and professional goals in English.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official programme website.

Application deadline: 15 November 2026 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).

Follow these steps to prepare your application:

1. Review the official call: Confirm the eligibility requirements and programme expectations.
2. Complete the online application: Introduce yourself, describe your research, explain your career goals and outline how the programme would support your development.
3. Prepare your CV: Highlight your education, research experience, achievements, publications, projects and relevant leadership activities.
4. Record a short video: Submit a video introduction of no more than two minutes explaining your motivation for joining the programme.
5. Explain your community contribution: Describe how you would share knowledge, collaborate with other participants and contribute to the Female Science Talents network.
6. Submit before the deadline: Check all responses and supporting documents before completing your application.

The jury is expected to finalise its selection by the end of December 2026, with successful applicants contacted in January 2027.

Why You Should Apply: Tips for a Strong Application

This programme offers more than international exposure. It provides an opportunity to develop the professional skills and relationships that can help researchers turn scientific expertise into wider influence.

To strengthen your application, consider these practical tips:

• Communicate your research clearly. Explain your research question, its importance and its potential contribution without relying on excessive technical language.
• Show evidence of achievement. Highlight research projects, publications, presentations, innovations or other accomplishments relevant to your career stage.
• Connect your goals to the programme. Identify specific skills, networks or leadership opportunities you hope to gain.
• Demonstrate collaboration. Give examples of mentoring, knowledge sharing, teamwork or community engagement where possible.
• Prepare a focused video. Use the two-minute limit to explain who you are, what motivates you and why this opportunity matters to your development.
• Show your potential, not just your qualifications. Explain how you intend to apply what you learn and contribute to the wider scientific community.

Researchers from Africa should clearly communicate the significance of their work, including its potential to address local challenges and contribute to global scientific knowledge.

Conclusion

The Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2027 is an opportunity for early-career researchers to strengthen their leadership skills, develop international connections and increase the visibility of their work.

If you are an eligible researcher seeking to grow beyond your current professional boundaries, review the requirements and prepare your application early.

Apply before 15 November 2026 and take a practical step towards your next stage of scientific and professional development.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

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