WHAT IS THE AWARD?
The purpose of the Cision Insights Fellowship is to support and encourage undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in applied public relations research as a career. The winners of the fellowship will be given free access to Cision Insights software, which will be used to produce a 2-3 page solo-authored research report or social/traditional media analysis and accompanying blog for publication by IPR. They will also receive guidance and mentorship from an experienced Cision Insights analyst.

The winners of the Fellowship will be awarded $2,000 upon completion of the research project, and the faculty adviser will receive $500. The winner will also receive a free ticket and $1,000 travel stipend to the IPR Annual Distinguished Lecture and Awards Dinner on December 3, 2026, where they will be presented with an award onstage by a Cision team member in front of an audience of communications and public relations leaders and academics.

WHO MAY APPLY?
Undergraduate students who are at least juniors or graduate students majoring in public relations, communications, or business who have completed at least one methodology course and are studying in person in the United States.

SUBMISSION MATERIALS:
  • Copy of resume/CV
  • A one-page research prospectus outlining the proposed research project for which you have been awarded the grant. The prospectus should examine current challenges facing the public relations and communications profession, drawing on trends in social commentary and/or traditional media. Other topics may also be considered, provided the proposal meets IPR publication standards. Topics may include, but are not limited to:
    • AI and authenticity/trust
    • Micro-influencers / evolution of the influencer
    • Misinformation
    • Personalization in PR
    • Politicization of PR teams

Question Title

* 1. First Name

Question Title

* 2. Last Name

Question Title

* 3. What year of school are you in?

Question Title

* 4. Email

Question Title

* 5. University Name

Question Title

* 6. Faculty advisor name and email address

Question Title

* 7. Please upload your resume/CV

Question Title

* 8. Please upload your one-page prospectus

T