Which are the next walls to fall? Under this motto, the University of Münster will host its very first Falling Walls Lab on 11 September 2025 – an international pitch competition for students, doctoral candidates, and early-career researchers with visionary ideas. At the FIEGE X-Dock in the heart of Münster, young scientists and innovators will have just three minutes to present their projects to a panel of experts and an interested public audience.
The Falling Walls Lab is part of a global initiative by the Falling Walls Foundation, which has been championing scientific and societal breakthroughs worldwide since 2009. More than 70 leading institutions across the globe host their own Labs every year – and now Münster is joining this international network. The competition fosters interdisciplinary exchange and showcases innovative thinking across a wide range of fields – from life sciences to computer science, and from the social sciences to materials research.
With its first Falling Walls Lab, the University of Münster is especially reaching out to early-career talents from all academic disciplines. Eligible to apply are those who are currently enrolled at a university or have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree within the past ten years. Participating in the Lab offers visibility for one’s own research and the opportunity to qualify for the global Falling Walls Lab Finale in Berlin, held during the renowned Falling Walls Science Summit. Finalists will take part in an exclusive programme and may even be named Breakthrough of the Year in the Emerging Talents category.
The venue for the event could hardly be more inspiring: Located at Münster’s Mittelhafen, the FIEGE X-Dock offers a vibrant atmosphere and panoramic views over the city – an ideal stage for bold and forward-looking ideas. In addition to the pitches, attendees can look forward to a dynamic programme including a keynote by Johanna Baare, co-founder of the sustainable start-up traceless materials.
Interested in pitching your idea? Applications are open until 15 August 2025 via the Falling Walls Foundation’s application portal. Presentations must be given in English. Attendance as an audience member is also possible, prior registration is required.
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