Awards

Research Prize
2018–Present

The SOM Foundation Research Prize comprises two $40,000 grants that are designed to cultivate new ideas and meaningful research that address the critical issues of our time. The SOM Research Prize is awarded to faculty-led interdisciplinary teams that address a topic identified on an annual basis by the Foundation Board. The SOM Research Prize is an evolution of the former SOM Prize and SOM Travel Fellowship programs.

The SOM Foundation Research Prize is open to applicants currently teaching at US school with accredited Bachelor, Master, or PhD degree programs in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, and other design disciplines. Applications must include a faculty member who will lead an advanced level studio course as a part of the research. The principal investigator(s) will be expected to work in a collaborative manner with faculty or leading professionals from other disciplines and students to pursue a research question inspired by the SOM Foundation Topic. The SOM Foundation Research Prize is intended to support new and ongoing research by faculty and students with the goal of providing conclusive findings about the topic at hand.

Structural Engineering Fellowship
1998–Present

The $20,000 Structural Engineering Fellowship is awarded annually to a graduating student who specializes in structural engineering to conduct independent travel and research that contributes to the SOM Foundation’s current topic and has the potential to influence the practice and teaching of how structures can positively impact our built environment.

Applicant must be graduating with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD in civil and environmental engineering or architectural engineering with a specialization in structural engineering from a professionally accredited degree program in the United States. US citizenship is not required.

UK Award
1996–Present

In 1996, the SOM Foundation established the UK Award, to be awarded annually to students studying Architecture at a UK-accredited school. Having had an office in London since 1986, SOM believes that the SOM Foundation UK award program is an investment in the British educational community for architecture.

SOM Foundation collaborates with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) on the occasion of the much-anticipated annual event, “The RIBA President’s Medals,” which rewards student excellence in architectural education. The SOM Foundation provides two awards for travel fellowships, in the amount of £5,000. One award is given to a student who has completed Part 1 of their UK architectural education, and the other to a student who has completed Part 2.

China Fellowship
2006–Present

Awarded annually, the SOM Foundation China Fellowship is a traveling fellowship open to students in architecture and urban design. Each of three winners will receive $5,000 to pursue original travel research. The prize allows emerging design leaders to broaden their education through travel so that they may gain a deeper understanding of how their work will contribute to the built and natural environments.

Undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing degrees in China are eligible for the prize; Chinese citizenship is not required. Students must be in their last two years of a degree program in architecture or urban design. The application requirements consist of a portfolio, a research proposal, and a travel itinerary. A jury of leading architects and design professionals in China will select the winners.

Robert L. Wesley Award
2020–Present

Created in 2020, the award supports BIPOC undergraduate students enrolled in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, or structural engineering programs across the US. The award aims to support the academic development of the student. In 2020, the Robert L. Wesley Award provided three $10,000 and two $5,000 unrestricted awards. The award honors Robert L. Wesley, the first Black partner at SOM.