Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: The 2025 Falling Walls Lab in Guangzhou

In 2025, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking this significant milestone with a successful Falling Walls Lab in Guangzhou. This anniversary not only reflects the history of the DAAD but also its continuous commitment to fostering international academic exchange and scientific excellence.

The Falling Walls Lab Guangzhou 2025 was more than a competition; it was a vibrant gathering of minds, ideas, and futures. Hosted at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), the event brought together brilliant early-career researchers, innovators, and changemakers to pitch their groundbreaking ideas in just three minutes.

A Day of Breakthroughs and Collaboration: Falling Walls Lab Guangzhou 2025

On April 26, DAAD’s Falling Walls Lab Guangzhou 2025 came to life — and it was nothing short of extraordinary. This event, which brought together some of the brightest minds from various research fields, served as a testament to the power of ideas, innovation, and, most importantly, collaboration.

This year’s Lab was jointly organized by the DAAD Office Guangzhou, the German Consulate General in Guangzhou, and the German Chamber of Commerce in South & Southwest China, and generously hosted by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou). Behind the scenes, months of preparation went into crafting an environment where innovation could thrive — from curating applications and mentoring finalists to coordinating logistics across time zones and institutions. This Lab would not have been possible without the tireless commitment of the organizing team and the generosity of our ten jury members.

In just three minutes each, presenters tackled global challenges with bold, interdisciplinary approaches: GAO Lufei explored how to break the wall of communication for the deaf, HAN Yaning proposed novel pathways for communicating with animals and Jennifer Law shed light on integrating medical nutrition therapy more effectively into healthcare. These are just a few examples of the ingenuity and purpose that defined the day.

The Falling Walls Mission

At the heart of Falling Walls is the belief that science and research hold the keys to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The mission is simple yet profound: to break down barriers in the way we think, innovate, and work together. By providing a platform for brilliant minds to present their groundbreaking ideas, we aim to inspire others to take bold steps in addressing global issues.

German Academic Exchange Service’s (DAAD) Commitment to Excellence

As part of its commitment to fostering international exchange and strengthening research networks, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is proud to support Falling Walls Labs worldwide. This platform not only amplifies the voices of emerging researchers but also helps them connect with mentors, institutions, and peers who can support them on their journey. The Falling Walls Lab Guangzhou was a clear embodiment of our mission to cultivate the next generation of scientists and academics, empowering them to think critically, collaborate across borders, and drive positive change.

Global Affairs Department of HKUST(GZ)Celebrating Breakthroughs and the Future of Science

The pitches presented were nothing short of impressive, showcasing not only groundbreaking ideas but also the passion and dedication of the emerging researchers. The event highlighted that the future of science lies in the hands of the next generation — those who are fearless in their pursuit of knowledge and innovation.

As we celebrate the winner, Yuan Shijie, and look forward to the global finale in Berlin in November this year, we also celebrate the collaboration that made this day possible. Falling Walls is not just about breaking down barriers in science; it’s about building bridges between people, institutions, and ideas. This event was a perfect example of how collaboration can turn ambitious goals into reality.

1st Place – Yuan Shijie: Breaking the Wall of Scarless Wound Healing

Yuan Shijie impressed the jury with an innovative biomedical approach aimed at promoting scar-free wound regeneration. His research offers promising applications in both clinical and cosmetic medicine, addressing a long-standing challenge in tissue repair.

2nd Place – Tiwari Sagun: Breaking the Wall of Alzheimer’s Disease
Tiwari Sagun presented a compelling strategy to combat Alzheimer’s Disease through early detection and targeted intervention. His interdisciplinary work combines neuroscience and technology to push the boundaries of how we understand and treat neurodegenerative disorders.

3rd Place – Gao Lufei: Breaking the Wall of Communication for the Deaf
Gao Lufei showcased an assistive technology designed to bridge communication gaps for the Deaf community. Her project integrates gesture recognition to enable more inclusive, real-time interaction across language and accessibility barriers.

A Word from the Organizer

“Great ideas need a stage. Great teams make that stage happen,” said Melanie Spaethe, DAAD Lecturer and head of jury, now in her fourth year leading a Falling Walls Lab in China. “It’s the quiet support, the generosity of time, and the spirit of shared purpose that make events like these meaningful. It is through the often-unseen work of professors, mentors, and academic advisors — those who inspire, guide, and empower young researchers — that the next generation of brilliant minds is given the confidence and support to shine on stages like these.”

Looking Ahead

The Falling Walls Lab Guangzhou 2025 was more than just a competition — it was a reminder of the incredible potential that lies in working together. At DAAD, we’re excited to continue supporting such initiatives and empowering future leaders to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Global Affairs Department of HKUST(GZ)

Text/ Melanie Späthe

With Gratitude to Our Sponsors
The success of the Falling Walls Lab Guangzhou 2025 would not have been possible without the generous support and collaboration of our valued sponsors. We extend our heartfelt thanks to:

Your unwavering commitment, shared vision, and dedication to fostering scientific exchange and innovation helped create a space where brilliant minds could come together, share bold ideas, and inspire the future. Thank you for being a vital part of this journey.