The Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities hosted the Falling Walls Lab Israel Academy 2025 event for the first time on Thursday, July 24, 2025. This prestigious competition is part of the international Falling Walls Lab initiative and invited young researchers, students, and graduates of advanced degrees to present breakthrough ideas in science, society, or technology, all in a three minute pitch delivered in English before a distinguished panel of judges. The event was organized in collaboration with the Israel Young Academy, DAAD, the German Embassy in Israel, and the Rubinstein Center at Reichman University.

 

The first place winner for 2025 was Hadas Omer from the Technion, for her project “Breaking the Wall of Cardiovascular Disease”. Her research introduces an innovative DNA based system for targeted and safe drug delivery to treat cardiovascular diseases, one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Watch her presentation here:

 

 

 

Her victory earned Hadas a place in the global final, held in November 2025 in Berlin as part of the Falling Walls Science Summit, which brought together more than 100 winners from local competitions in 60 countries.

 

The global first prize was awarded to Dr. Karen de la Vega Hernández from ICIQ in Spain, for her pitch Breaking the Wall of Molecular Monotony, in which she presented innovative molecular editing tools that enable the development of improved drug versions quickly, cost effectively, and sustainably. She received the prestigious title Science Breakthrough of the Year – Emerging Talents.

 

Among the finalists were researchers working in health, energy, and society, who presented creative solutions to global challenges. The event included networking workshops, meetings with leading figures from science, industry, and policy, and served as an international platform for breakthrough innovation.

 

The forum supports its participants in refining their innovative ideas and developing strong communication skills, fosters collaborations, and builds a sustainable and impactful community.