Women’s Impact Award 2026: Global Call for Women Researchers Driving Scientific Excellence and Societal Impact

The Women’s Impact Award 2026, presented by the Falling Walls Foundation in collaboration with the Elsevier Foundation, is a prestigious global recognition designed to celebrate outstanding women researchers whose work combines scientific excellence with measurable societal impact.

As part of the broader Global Call for Science Breakthroughs 2026, this award highlights transformative research that addresses pressing global challenges while promoting equity, inclusion, and sustainable development. It is an opportunity for leading women scientists and researchers worldwide to gain international recognition, expand their influence, and contribute to shaping a more equitable future.

About the Women’s Impact Award

The Women’s Impact Award is a flagship initiative that honors women who are not only advancing scientific knowledge but also applying their research to create tangible, real-world change.

The award specifically recognizes:

• Scientific excellence at the highest level

• Research with clear societal relevance and impact

• Contributions that advance equity, inclusion, and justice

• Leadership in addressing global and community-level challenges

This initiative is part of the Falling Walls Foundation’s mission to identify and celebrate breakthroughs in science that have the potential to change the world.

About the Global Call for Science Breakthroughs 2026

The Global Call for Science Breakthroughs is an international platform that invites nominations and applications from leading researchers across disciplines. It provides a stage for groundbreaking work that pushes the boundaries of knowledge and contributes to solving critical global issues.

The Women’s Impact Award is a dedicated category within this global call, focusing specifically on women and gender-diverse researchers.

What the Award Recognizes

The Women’s Impact Award celebrates research projects that combine academic rigor with societal relevance. Applicants must demonstrate that their work contributes meaningfully to one or more of the following areas:

1. Advancing Gender Equality through Research

Eligible projects may include:

• Research addressing gender bias in fields such as artificial intelligence, healthcare, education, finance, or employment

• Studies that incorporate sex and gender differences in data collection, analysis, and interpretation

• Projects using gender-sensitive methodologies, including:

  • Gender-disaggregated data

  • Co-design approaches involving women and gender-diverse populations

• Interdisciplinary research that promotes inclusive innovation

2. Supporting Underserved and Marginalized Communities

Applicants may also qualify if their research focuses on empowering underserved populations through:

• Participatory research involving communities such as:

  • Refugees

  • Rural populations

  • People with disabilities

  • Low-income groups

• Development of technologies, policies, or interventions that improve:

  • Access to healthcare

  • Educational opportunities

  • Justice and legal systems

  • Safety and protection

  • Economic inclusion

• Research outcomes that actively reduce inequality or dismantle systemic barriers

Projects are not required to focus exclusively on women or girls, but they must clearly demonstrate a commitment to equity, inclusion, and positive societal transformation.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Women’s Impact Award 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Career Level

Applicants must be at:

• Postdoctoral level or above, or

• An equivalent level of professional independence and responsibility

Eligible roles include:

• Postdoctoral researchers

• Research fellows

• Senior researchers

• Principal investigators

• Group leaders

• Professors

2. Inclusive Eligibility

The award embraces diversity and inclusivity. Applications are welcome from:

• Cisgender women

• Transgender women

• Genderqueer individuals

• Non-binary individuals

This inclusive approach ensures representation across diverse gender identities within the scientific community.

Research Project Requirements

Applicants must be actively engaged in a research project at the time of submission.

Eligible Project Stages:

• Data collection or analysis

• Pilot or testing phases

• Implementation in real-world settings

Ineligible Projects:

• Projects at the idea stage

• Concepts under development

• Proposals seeking funding without active implementation

Language Requirement:

• All applications must be submitted in English

Who Can Nominate

Nominations for the Women’s Impact Award 2026 can be submitted by a wide range of institutions and individuals, including:

• Universities and higher education institutions

• Research organizations and institutes

• Companies with research laboratories

• Scientific foundations

• Partner organizations of the Falling Walls Foundation

• Leading scientists and experts in relevant fields

Applicants may also apply directly, depending on the nomination pathway.

Benefits of the Women’s Impact Award

While specific prize details may vary, recipients of the Women’s Impact Award typically benefit from:

• Global recognition at a prestigious international platform

• Visibility among leading scientists, policymakers, and innovators

• Opportunities to expand professional networks

• Increased credibility and influence in their field

• Access to future collaborations and funding opportunities

Notable Past Winners

The Women’s Impact Award has previously recognized exceptional researchers whose work has made significant contributions to science and society.

Some recent awardees include:

• Ângela Gonçalves (German Cancer Research Center)

• Colette Wabnitz (Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions; University of British Columbia)

• Omneya Attallah (Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport)

These winners exemplify the caliber of research and impact the award seeks to celebrate.

Application Process

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply or be nominated through the Official Global Call for Science Breakthroughs platform.

Steps to Apply:

1. Prepare detailed information about your research project

2. Demonstrate scientific excellence and societal impact

3. Submit your application in English

4. Ensure your project meets all eligibility criteria

Application Deadline: 15-Apr-2026

Why You Should Apply

The Women’s Impact Award 2026 offers a unique opportunity to:

• Showcase your research on a global stage

• Gain recognition for impactful scientific work

• Contribute to advancing gender equality and inclusion

• Join a network of leading researchers and innovators

• Strengthen your academic and professional profile

Learn more about the Women’s Impact Award 2026 HERE.

Click HERE to discover more global Award opportunities on OFY.