Call for Proposal

2026 Call for Proposal

The Research Foundation for Electricity and Mobile Communication (FSM) at ETH Zurich supports innovative research projects addressing current issues related to electromagnetic fields in the context of electricity and wireless technologies, particularly those concerning long-term implications for society, the environment, and health. 

In 2026, the FSM will award CHF 60,000 for a research project that reviews the current state of research on the social impacts of cell phone use. Potential thematic focuses include, for example, addictive behavior and psychological stress related to social media, regulatory and prohibition approaches, the benefits and limitations of media education interventions, cell phone bans in schools, phenomena of the “always-on” society, and forms of parental monitoring of digital activities.

The scope of the project includes the preparation of a literature review that analyzes existing research, summarizes key findings, and identifies gaps in the current research. Original field studies or data collection are not part of the project. The project will result in a scientific publication.

The call for proposals has an international focus, and early-career researchers are also encouraged to submit research proposals. We ask interested researchers to submit a corresponding project proposal (outline). Applicants must demonstrate prior academic work and publication activity in the relevant subject areas.

 The deadline for submitting the project outline is August 21, 2026.  

 

2026 Project outlines

Project outlines must be submitted using the “Proposal” form. The outline should be presented in a concise and well-structured format on two A4 pages. Project submissions will be evaluated by the FSM’s Scientific Committee. Public and private (domestic and foreign) research institutions and researchers with proven expertise in the research field are eligible to apply. The proposal must clearly explain the novel contribution the literature review can make, the estimated scope and reliability of the available literature base (e.g., number of relevant publications), and what methodology is planned for the review, including a justification for the chosen approach.

Questions can be addressed to: juerg.eberhard(at)emf.ethz.ch

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Conditions of participation

Public and private (domestic and foreign) research institutions and researchers can apply for participation. In principle, only research at a high scientific level, which is in line with the goals of the FSM, will be supported. Pre-projects (seed money) can also be approved to promote a pioneering area.