European Research Prize

In 2021, the SOM Foundation introduced the European Research Prize as an expansion of the US-based Research Prize. The €20,000 European Research Prize is awarded annually to a faculty-led interdisciplinary team based in Europe to conduct original research that contributes to the SOM Foundation’s current topic.

The European Research Prize is open to faculty currently teaching at a professionally accredited bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD program in architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture, urban design, or engineering in Europe. For a list of eligible countries, please visit the Architects’ Council of Europe: https://www.ace-cae.eu/architects-in-europe. Besides that list, we are also accepting proposals from the Netherlands. The research must be developed in an academic studio and/or seminar within the academic institution. The lead faculty member(s) will be expected to work in a collaborative manner with faculty from other disciplines, leading professionals, nonprofit organizations, and/or community representatives in addition to students enrolled in the studio and/or seminar. Collaborator(s) can be based worldwide. The winning team will be required to thoroughly document their research findings and develop conclusions or suggestions for application to professional practice.