Falling Walls 2020 Concept (as of 19 May, 2020) THE BREAKTHROUGHS OF THE YEAR
Where we start from - a world forum for science: Since its first annual meeting on 9 November 2009, the 20th anniversary of the peaceful fall of the Berlin Wall, the Falling Walls Conference continuously developed into a world forum for science. Some of the most important researchers and thinkers on the planet discuss with world leaders in science, politics, business and the media a small number of high-calibre breakthroughs, answering the core question of the Falling Walls Conference: "Which are the next walls to fall in science and society?" Where we head to in 2020: The Falling Walls Breakthroughs of the Year: As much as the Covid-19 crisis restricts personal gatherings in 2020, it opens up a new opportunity for Falling Walls to overcome the limitations of a traditional conference through innovative, open and engaging digital formats (Never waste a crisis!). In 2020 we want to showcase, discuss, value and celebrate a wide variety of breakthroughs, involving a wider audience during a longer period of time than was possible before in physical meetings. All strands will converge on 9 November in a top-class award ceremony and expert panel discussions. In ten categories we will bring together some of the most recent breakthroughs, outstanding science projects and bright minds globally to inspire a discussion on how science and innovation can contribute to the state of mankind. In a year of crisis and despair, we want to spur hope and set the stage for the post-corona agenda. The Call for Nominations in 10 categories: Falling Walls calls leading academics and world-class academic institutions from around the world - universities, research organisations, companies, private and public research centres, academies, research funders and foundations - for their nominations in ten categories: - Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Social Sciences and the Humanities
- Science in the Arts
- Digital Education
- Science and Innovation Management
- Emerging Talents (Falling Walls Lab)
- Science Start-ups (Falling Walls Venture)
- Science Engagement (Falling Walls Engage).
The Five-Step Procedure Step 1: Nominations. The first step is a brief nomination summary, about 200 words plus links and/or attachments, to be entered: Falling Walls Breakthroughs of the Year. We ask every institution for only one nomination per category, i.e. your institution can nominate up to ten breakthroughs. If - after a first nomination was made - in the course of the next months another outstanding breakthrough takes place in a specific category, a second nomination is possible. The nomination period starts immediately and ends on 1 September. However, we urge you to enter your nominations as fast as possible to make Step 3 most meaningful. Step 2: Finalists. Your nomination is immediately reviewed by us together with external experts continuously. If it is accepted, we will ask for a short visual presentation. We will help you with detailed guidelines and briefings to record your best video. Step 3: Global perception. From July to October, Falling Walls will continuously announce the finalists, display their videos and make their outstanding work recognised, so as to foster a scholarly and public debate about the contribution of science to society - via social media, newsletters and on our growing library at falling-walls.com, as well as on the platforms of our partners. Step 4: Category days / Berlin Science Week. Over a period of ten days from the end of October to the beginning of November, each day will be dedicated to a different category, to recognise and discuss the ten respective winners individually, as identified by distinguished juries. At the end of the day the breakthrough of the year in each category will be selected by the corresponding jury (but the overall winner will not be announced before 9 November 2020). In addition, digital live expert panel discussions open to the public ("Global Circles") will highlight the post-corona-agenda in various fields. The category days and Global Circles are part of the (2020 Remote) Berlin Science Week. Step 5: Falling Walls day 9 November 2020 / The announcement of the Falling Walls Breakthroughs of the Year. On 9 November 2020, the anniversary of the historic fall of the Berlin Wall, the ten Falling Walls Breakthroughs of the Year (one per category) will be made public, and the people and institutions who made them possible will be honoured in a live digital session; in this event, a "Global Circle" of distinguished world leaders will discuss the post-corona agendas of the various fields.
All material will be made available permanently and for free on our falling-walls.com library to allow global access and inspiration. Contact: Naveed Syed, Head of Global Networks, nominate@falling-walls.com |