2025 European Research Prize

Fellowship

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.

Topic: Exploring the Potential of Mobility Corridors

This year’s topic aims to explore how every scale of movement infrastructure shapes our built environment. How might new approaches to mobility corridors provide sustainable growth, from improving how people and goods move from place to place to supporting the ecosystems, communities, and activities that surround them? Ultimately, how can existing or proposed interconnected systems help define the future of our cities?

Eligibility

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. The research must be developed in a 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.

SOM Foundation affiliated members and SOM employees should not be included as part of the proposals. Faculty from previously awarded proposals are not eligible. However, previously awarded academic institutions can submit new proposals.

Expected Outcomes

During the research period, the SOM Foundation will schedule periodic check-ins for the purpose of providing feedback and focus to maintain a high level of excellence throughout the research effort.

Research is expected to be completed a year after its start date. The start date can vary to match academic calendars but needs to be no later than September 30, 2026.

The winning team will be required to thoroughly document the research findings and develop conclusions or suggestions for application to professional practice. The final report should advance the discussion around the selected topic and be visually compelling.

The lead faculty member(s) and academic institution may present the results at the end of the project at a public event held at their institution. Faculty will be responsible for seeking out additional opportunities to disseminate research findings at relevant professional, public, and civic events, as well as in online and print publications.

Detailed brief