Paula has been selected as a 2026 Falling Walls Global Call finalist in the Life Sciences category for her work developing a new approach to reversible male contraception. The Falling Walls Science Summit recognizes researchers and innovators whose work has the potential to “break down walls” in science and society. Cohen's project, “Breaking the Wall of Reversible Male Contraception,” builds on decades of research into meiosis and sperm development to pursue a long-acting, reversible and non-hormonal contraceptive for men.

The approach aims to temporarily block sperm production by targeting the earliest stages of sperm development while preserving the germline stem cells needed for fertility to return after treatment. Ultimately, Cohen and her team envision a contraceptive delivered by injection or patch that could provide several months of protection, expanding contraceptive options for men and helping make responsibility for family planning more equitable.

Read the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine news story and the Falling Walls finalist profile and interview.