This paper provides a perspective on the current knowledge and potential areas of future research related to electrostatics in fluidized beds. Aspects addressed include characterization techniques, charge generation and dissipation mechanisms, interplay between the electrostatics and hydrodynamics, charge control methods, applications of tribo-electrostatic fluidization systems, and computational simulations which account for electrostatic charges. This is a complex research field involving fluid mechanics, powders and electrical physics, with potential rewards in terms of safety, process monitoring and new applications. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.