The Falling Walls Lab is a new, worldwide initiative of the Falling Walls Foundation and A.T. Kearney for the advancement of scientific breakthroughs. “Our aim is to support the exchange between junior researchers and young professionals of various disciplines. The lab provides an open platform and stimulates a public discussion. It also offers unparalleled possibilities to network and obtain input for further research,“ emphasised Dr. Nathalie Martin-Hübner, Managing Director of the Falling Walls Foundation.
The new format offers young academics, professionals, and entrepreneurs the unique opportunity to present their breakthroughs in 3 minutes each to a distinguished jury from academia, research institutions and business. Innovative research findings from all disciplines are sought, as well as ideas and initiatives tackling social issues. Master’s students, PhD candidates, post-docs, young professionals, and young entrepreneurs from around the world and who are under 35 years of age, are welcome to apply to the Falling Walls Labs. Further information, dates, and the online application can be found at www.falling-walls.com/lab
The idea of establishing the Falling Walls Lab as an annual global forum arose from the success of the kick-off event in 2011 in Berlin, where a total of 100 candidates from 38 countries presented their breakthroughs and concepts within 3 minutes each. The first Lab was held in conjunction with the international science conference Falling Walls on 8 November 2011.
“We were impressed by the high quality of presentations and breakthroughs in Berlin. With the Lab, we’ve created an interdisciplinary network for young talents, which we now want to achieve globally. We are looking forward to the ideas and visions that will be presented at all Labs worldwide,” said Dr. Martin Sonnenschein, Managing Director of A.T. Kearney Central Europe.
In addition to Cologne, Munich, Vienna, and Zurich, Falling Walls Labs are planned for New York, Moscow, and Tokyo. Winners will receive a scholarship to travel to the final Lab on 8 November 2012 in Berlin. They will also be granted a ticket to attend the Falling Walls Conference on 9 November 2012.
Dates
Falling Walls Lab Zurich – 1 June
University Hospital Zurich (Application Deadline: 13 May)
Falling Walls Lab Vienna – 15 June
Vienna University of Technology (Application Deadline: 27 May)
Falling Walls Lab Cologne – 5 July
Fritz Thyssen Foundation (Application Deadline: 17 June)
Falling Walls Lab Munich – 6 July
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Headquarters (Application Deadline: 17 June)
