Building on the success of the Grunig PRIME Research Fellowship in the United States, the Institute for Public Relations launched a second fellowship sponsored by PRIME Research in the United Kingdom. This new fellowship is based in the PRIME Research offices in Oxford, UK. Named for James E. Grunig and Larissa A. Grunig, professors emeriti, University of Maryland, the award supports and encourages graduate student interest in applied public relations research as a career opportunity.

Fellowship Content

• The Fellow will work at PRIME Research's United Kingdom offices for six weeks in the summer following the end of the academic year to learn more about public relations research including data collection, data analysis, interpretation of research results and consultation.
• The Fellow will be responsible for carrying out work as assigned by his or her supervisor along with other tasks to be determined in advance of the Fellowship.
• The Fellow will have a dedicated work place, a computer, a phone, etc. at PRIME Research.
• The Fellow will be given a 4,000 pound stipend plus housing.
• At the end of this experience, the Fellow will complete a paper contributing to the body of knowledge in applied public relations research. The Advisory Council, named below, will assign the topic and the paper may be published by the Institute for Public Relations.

Who May Apply

• Graduate students in public relations/communication who are interested in a career in public relations research.
• Applicants must have completed at least one year of study toward a graduate degree, and at least one methodology course in research methods (e.g., survey, content analysis, experimental design, etc.).
• Additional requirements include: basic knowledge of statistics, computer and internet proficiency, excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken), and appropriate legal status to work in the UK in such a Fellowship position.
• PPLEASE NOTE: The cost of travel to PRIME Research in the UK plus living expenses in addition to housing, is the full responsibility of the Fellow. Also, Fellows residing outside the UK are responsible for obtaining any necessary visa and for meeting all entry requirements into the UK.

Required Application Materials

• All application materials must be submitted in English.
• All materials should be emailed to jmoyer@jou.ufl.edu
• Application form on this page should be downloaded, completed and emailed
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of interest, including brief description of research interests and proposed topic for the final paper for publication
• Personal statement explaining why the applicant is qualified for the Fellowship
• A copy of official transcript
• Recommendation letter sent directly from the applicant's faculty advisor

Selection Process

• Applications will be reviewed by an Advisory Council of distinguished public relations researchers and educators including:
  • Larissa A. Grunig
  • James E. Grunig
  • Robert W. Grupp (Institute for Public Relations)
  • Michelle Hinson (Institute for Public Relations)
  • Patty Lin (PRIME Research)
  • Rainer Mathes (PRIME Research)
  • Mark Weiner (PRIME Research)
  • Telephone interviews will be conducted with the finalists
  • After the Advisory Council has made its recommendations, the final selection will be made by PRIME Research

Timeline

• Application deadline: March 19, 2010
• Winner notification: April 19, 2010