The Falling Walls Lab MSCA 2025 was held in Copenhagen last week, bringing together outstanding early-career researchers to present their ideas for the future. Among the many remarkable contributions, one stood out: Eric Gaba won the first prize and therefore is one of the three finalists who will compete in the Falling Walls Lab Finale in Berlin this November.
In his three-minute presentation, Eric introduced the audience to his pioneering research on sustainable prosthetic sockets constructed from pineapple fibre. His clear delivery, innovative approach, and focus on social impact left a lasting impression. Eric delivered a pitch that captured both the imagination and the practical promise of science, showing how research can genuinely break down barriers to progress.
Eric reflects on his participation:
“The MSCA Presidency Conference offered an excellent platform to discuss the challenges faced by early-stage researchers and explore ways to establish strong foundations for their careers. I greatly valued the opportunity to meet fellow MSCAs from different institutions and to learn about their inspiring research.”
On to the finale
In November, Eric will represent Vrije Universiteit Brussel at the Falling Walls Lab Finale in Berlin, competing for the distinction of Breakthrough Winner of the Year in the Emerging Talents category.
This is a remarkable achievement, and we congratulate Eric on his success in Copenhagen as he prepares to take the stage in Berlin.
Watch Eric Gaba’s pitch (from 1h17m) here.