SLAC, Stanford scientists recognized for breakthroughs at Falling Walls competition

Seven SLAC and Stanford nominees were finalists in the 2020 Falling Walls Breakthroughs of the Year competition.

Carolyn Bertozzi is one of seven Stanford finalists in the 2020 Falling Walls Breakthroughs of the Year competition.

The annual event brings together researchers, scientists, engineers, innovators and thinkers from around the globe to discuss science, politics, business and media – typically in Berlin during the month of November, which marks the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. This year, the 21st Falling Walls was held virtually.

Leading academic institutions nominate their breakthroughs of the year in 10 fields of science – from life sciences to science engagement initiatives. This year’s winners were chosen from more than 900 nominations representing institutions in 111 countries. The top 10 winners in each field are showcased during the Falling Walls Conference/Berlin Science Week and World Science Summit, culminating in the grand finale on Nov. 9.

Stanford and SLAC finalists featured in the Falling Walls video library include:

CAROLYN BERTOZZI (top 10 category finalist) on “Transforming Human Health Interdisciplinarily”

YI CUI (top 10 winner) on “Efficient Batteries”

NICHOLAS EDWARDS (finalist) on “The Hidden Writing of Galen of Pergamon”

ALEX HALAVANAU (finalist) on “X-ray Lasers”

MICHELLE MONJE (top 10 category finalist) on “Brain Cancer”

SERGIU PASCA (top 10 category finalist) on “Human Neuropsychiatric Disorders”

CATERINA VERNIERI (finalist) on “The Unknown at the LHC”