© Falling Walls

Falling Walls Lab Münster

Falling Walls Lab is coming to Münster! Under the motto “Which are the next walls to fall?”, the University of Münster is organizing its own Falling Walls Lab for the first time in 2025. We are looking for outstanding ideas, innovative solutions and pioneering concepts for current social challenges.

What are Falling Walls Labs?

Falling Walls Labs are international, interdisciplinary pitch competitions for students, doctoral candidates and early postdoctoral researchers. They provide early-career scientists and innovators with a platform to present their projects and visions, and to network both locally and globally. In just three minutes, the participants present their ideas and convince the jury and audience.

Every year, more than 70 renowned universities and research institutions around the world host their own Falling Walls Lab to showcase the most innovative minds in their region. The winners of the regional labs qualify for the global final at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin, where they have the chance to win the title "Breakthrough of the Year".

Falling Walls Lab Münster 2025

On September 11, 2025, the first Falling Walls Lab will take place in Münster - in the middle of the city and high above the rooftops of Münster, in the FIEGE X-Dock (Am Mittelhafen 32, 48155 Münster). Participants will each have three minutes to present their projects to a high-caliber jury of renowned, regional scientific figures, interested guests and the public. The focus is on the innovative potential and social impact of their approaches.

Lab closed for applications – however, registration to attend as a guest is still possible. Secure one of the limited places via this link: guest registration.

© Zukunftslabor

  • Event details

    11 September 2025 – FIEGE X-Dock (Am Mittelhafen 32, 48155 Münster)

    Enjoy an exciting supporting programme, including a keynote by Johanna Baare (Co-Founder of traceless materials)!

  • What can I expect at the event?


    Thirteen innovative, groundbreaking pitches by early-career researchers from across all career stages and disciplines form the centrepiece of the day. Further programme highlights include:

    • Keynote: Johanna Baare (Co-Founder of traceless materials)
    • Panel discussion: Johanna Baare; Prof. Dr. Johannes Wessels (Rector, University of Münster); Prof. Dr. Benjamin Risse (Institute for Geoinformatics, Research Group: Computer Vision and Machine Learning Systems)
    • Networking opportunities in a relaxed setting (e.g. afternoon rooftop session at FIEGE X-Dock with a panoramic view across Münster)
    • Catering: refreshments, lunch and a flying dinner

    We are also delighted to welcome an excellent jury of experts from research and industry:

    • Dr. Thomas Bartoscheck (Institute for Geoinformatics; Founder and CEO at re:edu GmbH & Co. KG / openSenseLab gGmbH)
    • Prof. Dr. Ryan Gilmour (Institute of Organic Chemistry)
    • Prof. Dr. Asma El Maaroufi (Centre for Islamic Theology)
    • Prof. Dr. Jochen Schmid (Principal Director of the Institute of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology)
    • Prof. Dr. Monika Stoll (Vice-Rectorate for Research; Center for Medical Genetics - Director of the Department of Genetic Epidemiology and Core Facility Genomics)

    Please see the flyer or the full programme and time schedule.

  • Further information on our lab participants

    This event is open to emerging talents from all disciplines at the start of their scientific careers. Eligibility criteria:

    - Minimum age 18 at the time of application; no upper age limit

    - No prior participation in a Falling Walls Lab

    - Fulfil at least one of the following:

    • Currently enrolled as a student
    • Bachelor’s degree awarded within the last 10 years
    • Master’s degree awarded within the last 7 years
    • Doctorate awarded within the last 5 years

    The winners of each lab qualify for the global final in Berlin, receive a ticket to the Falling Walls Science Summit there, and take part in an exclusive extended programme. At the final, they compete for the "Breakthrough of the Year" title in the Emerging Talents category, with additional grant funding available to advance their projects. Participation also offers a unique opportunity for networking, exchange, and international visibility.