Purpose
To promote, foster and assist in the development of new research methods in public relations, focusing specific attention on measuring public relations effectiveness. The resulting research paper will be published on the Institute website.

Sponsor
Ketchum in cooperation with the Institute for Public Relations.

Award
$2,500 grant to a graduate student in communications or research who will carry out a project relating to public relations measurement and evaluation within six months of the end of the internship.

$7,500 eight-week public relations research internship with Ketchum in New York City during the summer of 2007 for that same graduate student. Intern will report to Mary Elizabeth Germaine, vice president and deputy global director of research. The successful candidate will work an average of a 40-hour workweek in the Ketchum Global Research Network on a variety of assignments as assigned by Mrs. Germaine. These assignments will be for current or prospective Ketchum Research clients, and will be structured to provide a broad array of experience for the intern.

Deadline For Submissions
All entries must be submitted by email no later than February 25, 2008.

Who May Submit
Graduate students majoring in communications or research who have completed at least one year of study towards a Masters or Ph.D. degree.

What to Submit:

• Application Form
• Statement of Interest explaining why you feel you should be considered for the Ketchum Excellence in PR Research Award.
• Research Prospectus that outlines the type of research project you contemplate designing and carrying out, should you be awarded the grant.
• An Endorsement/Sponsorship Statement from the professor who would serve as your faculty advisor in connection with the grant. This should be emailed directly to jmoyer@jou.ufl.edu by the professor.
• A resume of public relations-related work/research experience and/or other pertinent experience.

Judging
By a panel of distinguished public relations researchers, educators and practitioners. The top two candidates will be interviewed by Ketchum, preferably in person. Ketchum is seeking someone who exhibits exceptional intellect in the field of PR research and measurement, yet who can also serve as a valued member of the staff in the NY office during the 8-week internship. Complete fluency in written and spoken English is critical for the successful candidate.

Candidates may send an initial inquiry by e-mail (3-5 sentences) to determine if the proposed research question is suitable for entry. E-mail inquiry to: jmoyer@jou.ufl.edu

Notification Date: March 31, 2008.

Address for Submissions: Email to jmoyer@jou.ufl.edu