Held from 7 to 9 November, the summit marked the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, symbolising a commitment to breaking down barriers in science and innovation. Since 2009, the Falling Walls Science Summit has brought together leading minds from across the globe to foster collaboration and create meaningful solutions to the greatest challenges in society. This year was no exception, with brilliant insights and ground-breaking ideas shaping the event.

One of the summit’s highlights was the Falling Walls Lab Global Finale on 7 November, where 100 finalists from 74 local Lab competitions showcased their visionary innovations. These early and mid-career researchers, selected from 2,500 applicants across 104 countries, pitched their ground-breaking ideas in just three minutes. Among the finalists was Michelle Steven, the winner of Falling Walls Lab Tshwane and a medical scientist from the University of Pretoria. Michelle presented her ground-breaking PhD research on Breaking the Wall of Breast Cancer Diagnosis, making South Africa proud on this prestigious global stage.

Congratulations to the Science Breakthroughs of the Year Winners:
• 1st Place: Constadina Rogers for Breaking the Wall of Plastic Accumulation
• 2nd Place: Pewee Kolubah for Breaking the Wall of Accessible Electricity
• 3rd Place: Netanel Loyfer for Breaking the Wall of Cell-Free DNA

Stay tuned for details about the next Falling Walls Lab in Gauteng, proudly organised by DAAD South Africa. Your chance to pitch your ground-breaking idea, compete for an opportunity to represent South Africa in Berlin, and join a prestigious network of global innovators!