Breaking Walls in the Greater Bay Area: Falling Walls Labs in Guangzhou and Hong Kong 2025

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The Falling Walls Lab Hong Kong 2025, held on 2 June at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), brought together an engaged audience of students, researchers, and professionals eager to witness the power of concise, high-impact science communication. Organized by Prof. Sunny Xin Wang from the Physical Society of Hong Kong, in partnership with the German Consulate General Hong Kong, the Croucher Foundation, Spinger Nature and with strong support from the DAAD Guangzhou Office, the event highlighted the value of scientific clarity, academic exchange, and regional collaboration.

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Among a strong cohort of finalists, Pikting Izzy Cheung, a PhD student at City University of Hong Kong, was selected as this year’s winner. She will represent Hong Kong at the Falling Walls Lab Global Finale in Berlin this November, joining finalists from around the world to present her idea on a global stage.

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“It was a tremendous honour to serve as head of the jury this year,” shared Melanie Spaethe, DAAD Lecturer at Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou.
“The energy, insights, and dedication shown by all participants truly moved me. Creating space for young researchers and their ideas to be heart is not just inspiring — it is a responsibility we all share.”

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A Jury United in Expertise and Purpose

The Hong Kong jury panel reflected an impressive breadth of scientific and international experience:

Mrs. Stefanie Seedig, Deputy Consul General of Germany in Hong Kong, a seasoned economist with strong engagement in education and innovation exchanges.

Ms. Melanie Spaethe, DAAD Lecturer and active in fostering German-Chinese   academic cooperation and long-time organizer of Falling Walls Labs.

Dr. Tiejun Meng, CTO at SpinQ Technology and pioneer in superconducting quantum chips.

Dr. Karlis Rokpelnis, China Country Representative, EURAXESS, bridging EU-China academic networks.

Dr. Violeta Ivanova-Rohling, University of Konstanz, expert in machine learning and quantum systems.

Prof. Ruiqin Zhang, Chair Professor of Physics, CityUHK, computational physicist and APS Fellow.

Dr. Yuanyuan Zhao, Quantum Science Center of the GBA, focused on quantum information science.

Prof. Dr. Maria Babak, CityUHK, award-winning cancer researcher and head of the Drug Discovery Lab.

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Regional Impact and DAAD Engagement

The Falling Walls Lab Guangzhou, held earlier this spring and continues to grow as a landmark event for science communication and academic talent development in South China. Its long-term continuity and inclusive outreach are the result of sustained efforts by local partners and DAAD involvement.

These twin events, held within the Greater Bay Area, reflect growing synergies across Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and surrounding regions — in line with DAAD’s mission to foster cross-border academic cooperation and scientific dialogue. Through its network of lecturers and partnerships with universities, the DAAD helps create platforms for research communication, skill-building, and international engagement.

Looking Forward

This year’s Labs not only showcased groundbreaking ideas, but also reaffirmed the role of international platforms in nurturing the talents of tomorrow. As Pikting Izzy Cheung prepares to take the stage in Berlin, the Falling Walls spirit — of curiosity, courage, and clarity — continues to inspire researchers across regions and generations.

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The future of science is bright — and full of breakthroughs.

Text/Melanie Späthe