Grunig PRIME Research Fellowship Now Accepting Applications

NEW YORK, Feb. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Grunig PRIME Research Fellowship, a prestigious graduate student award promoting public relations research as a career path and including a paid work-experience, and grant for research, is now accepting entries. Named after renowned PR academics Jim and Larissa Grunig, the competition information and application are posted on the websites of the Institute for Public Relations (www.instituteforpr.org) and grant underwriter PRIME Research (www.prime-research.com).  The application deadline is February 15, 2012.

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The program offers a high-profile professional experience with PRIME Research, a leading research-based communications consulting firm, during the summer months.  The winner receives a $5,000 grant, free housing near PRIME's Ann Arbor, Michigan offices and a $2,500 award for a research paper when accepted for publication by the IPR.  In addition, the winner will be recognized at IPR's Annual Distinguished Lecture & Awards Dinner held annually at the prestigious Yale Club in New York City. 

Competition for the PRIME Grunig award is open to graduate students studying public relations, communication or business in the United States.  Winners will be notified by March 15. 

"The Grunigs have devoted their careers to promoting a scientific, research-based approach to public relations practice," said Mark Weiner, CEO for PRIME Research.  "PRIME is honored to be working with them and the Institute for Public Relations to encourage the pursuit of applied research as a preferred career choice within the profession.  In fact, past Fellows have returned to PRIME following graduation to begin their research-based consulting careers at the firm."

"PRIME Research and the Institute for Public Relations represent a Dream Team for graduate students who aim for an applied research career in public relations," said Larissa Grunig.  "The annual Fellowship has grown in stature every year.  We trust that 2012, the lunar Year of the Dragon, will produce a stellar group of applicants—one of whom will have the opportunity of a lifetime in Ann Arbor."

Grunig PRIME Research Fellowship

• $5,000 stipend and a six-week work experience with housing provided in Ann Arbor, MI. 
• Primary intent is to encourage grad students (more likely in a master's program) to consider a career in applied research in the public relations field.
• Applicants must have completed at least one year of study toward a graduate degree and one research methodology course.
• English fluency required.
• Winner will produce a research paper intended for practitioners, possibly on one of the IPR's priority research topics. 
• $2,500 grant will be paid upon acceptance of the paper (by the IPR Research Fellows) for publication on the IPR website.
• Named for James E. Grunig and Larissa A. Grunig, professors emeriti, University of Maryland.

ABOUT PRIME Research

A communication research innovator, PRIME Research's locations in the USA, Brazil, Uruguay, UK, Germany, Switzerland, India and China serve clients in 35 countries. With fifteen industry practice areas as well as a complete array of public relations monitoring, research, evaluation and consulting services, PRIME leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to help clients to build brands and reputations. For more information on PRIME, visit www.prime-research.com.

SOURCE PRIME Research