Falling Walls Foundation – Female Science Talents program

The Falling Walls Foundation aims to pool its unique resources, such as the interdisciplinary and inter-institutional network and the international platform, to enable women in science to take a step forward on their career path during their PhD and Postdoc phases. Its goal is to inspire and empower women to make their next career step, help them to pursue flexible career paths, support them in building an international network, and promote female leadership in science, business and society.

What we do  

The Elsevier Foundation partners with the Falling Walls Foundation to support the Female Science Talents programme, an initiative designed to accelerate the careers of promising women scientists and strengthen their visibility in global research communities.

• Through the programme’s Intensive Track, early-career researchers gain access to leadership development opportunities, international networking, and mentorship from established leaders in science and industry. Participants are also given a global platform during Berlin Science Week, where they can share ideas, build collaborations, and connect with peers and partners across disciplines.
• The partnership also supports the Women’s Impact Award, which recognizes outstanding women researchers whose work contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while advancing gender equality in science.

Together, these initiatives aim to strengthen pathways for women scientists to advance their careers, take on leadership roles, and shape research agendas that address global challenges.

How we deliver

The partnership contributes to a series of activities that help women scientists build skills, expand networks, and increase the visibility of their work.

• Each year, a group of early-career researchers is selected to participate in the Female Science Talents Intensive Track, where they take part in training sessions, mentoring opportunities, and collaborative learning experiences. Participants are encouraged to build international “success teams” that support peer learning, peer coaching, and long-term professional development. The Elsevier Foundation works alongside other partners to support key programme gatherings throughout the year, including international convenings that bring together participants, mentors, and leaders from across the research ecosystem. These events create opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Recognition of exceptional leadership and research impact is also central to the partnership through the Women’s Impact Award, which highlights women scientists whose work advances sustainable development and promotes greater equity and diversity in science.