Valeria Ruf

Falling Walls is the unique global hub connecting science, business and society. We shape the future of humanity by impact-oriented ideas and discoveries, driven by our shared dedication for creating breakthroughs across borders and disciplines. As a vessel for the world-changing spirit of 1989 in and beyond Berlin, we are on a relentless pursuit to find out: Which are the next walls to fall? The Mission The crumbling concrete blocks of the Berlin Wall marked the dawn of a new era of freedom by breaking barriers both physical and imaginary on the night of 9 November 1989. The Falling Walls Foundation channels this iconic image as a not-for-profit organization based in Berlin, devoted to bringing together those who aim to tear down the next walls in science and society. Since our first conference on the 20th anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall in 2009, Falling Walls has become an ever-growing network of the most ambitious and forward-thinking minds from around the globe. Our community is built on outstanding experiences of gathering, learning, and connecting to a higher purpose by tackling the greatest challenges of this planet. Together, we stand for the freedom of thought and scientific research, and for making ground-breaking ideas accessible to society.