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. 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.

Applications Open in September 2026

2025

Disrupting the Corridor: Water/Ground Mobilities Across the Adriatic

Focusing on the Adriatic region between Albania and Italy, “Disrupting the Corridor: Water/Ground Mobilities Across the Adriatic” explores how mobility infrastructures, such as the Trans Adriatic Pipeline and thermoelectric power complexes, mediate flows of water, energy, nature, capital, ideas, space, and politics.

Simonetta Armondi
Politecnico di MilanoDepartment of Architecture and Urban Studies

Agim Kërçuku
Politecnico di MilanoDepartment of Architecture and Urban Studies