The SOM Foundation supports research and education in architecture, design, and related fields, aiming to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of how architecture, urban design, and structural engineering impact society and the environment. Through its grant programs, it seeks to encourage innovation and research that contribute to the advancement of design and construction practices.
The SOM Foundation's Structural Engineering Fellowship awards $20,000 annually to a student in the United States specializing in structural engineering, enabling them to conduct independent travel and research aligned with the foundation's current topic. The fellowship aims to support research that can influence the practice and teaching of how structures positively impact the built environment. For 2025, the fellowship focuses on "Advancing Toward a Water-Secure Future". This theme addresses the urgent need for innovative and multidisciplinary solutions to global water-related challenges, emphasizing the complex relationship between water, people, and the built environment.