Institute for Public Relations – The Ketchum PRISM Fellowship for Excellence in Public Relations Research, Insights, Strategy, and Measurement 2026 (Up to $2,500 Grant)

Application Deadline: 17 April 2026

About the Fellowship

The Ketchum PRISM Fellowship for Excellence in Public Relations Research, Insights, Strategy, and Measurement provides a public relations/communications or business school graduate student with the opportunity to gain practical experience in public relations research at Ketchum and learn the meaning of “research that matters to the practice.” The Fellow will also have the opportunity to gain true hands-on experience in the public relations industry and have their resulting research paper published on the Institute for Public Relations (IPR) website. The fellowship is named for PRISM, which stands for Public Relations Institute for Strategic Measurement a reflection of the program’s commitment to rigorous, data-driven approaches to public relations. Ketchum is one of the world’s leading public relations firms, with a legacy of innovation and a commitment to research-driven strategy. The Institute for Public Relations is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to the science beneath the art of public relations, focusing on research that matters to the practice. This fellowship bridges the gap between academic research and industry practice, offering a unique opportunity for graduate students to apply their research skills in a fast-paced agency environment while producing work that contributes to the broader PR profession.

Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support:

• Hourly Wage: $22 per hour for the duration of the eight-week fellowship
• Research Grant: $2,500 upon acceptance of the research paper for publication by IPR

Professional Experience:

• Eight-week, in-person public relations research fellowship at Ketchum during the summer of 2026
• Hands-on experience working with Ketchum’s Analytics and Strategy teams
• Exposure to a variety of clients and challenges, ranging from measurement and analytics to strategic positioning research
• Access to all areas of a full-service PR agency and its resources

Work Schedule:

• Minimum three days per week in the office at one of Ketchum’s locations:

• New York City
• Chicago
• Dallas
• Average of 40 hours per week during the fellowship period

Research Publication:

• Research paper intended for industry practitioners, published on the IPR website
• Encouragement to develop nontraditional components (infographics, video, etc.) to present research findings
• Recognition at the 2026 IPR Annual Awards Gala in New York City on December 3, 2026

Fellowship Requirements

Eligible Applicants:

• Graduate students pursuing a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in public relations, communications, business, or research who have completed at least one year of study are strongly encouraged to apply
• Post-doctoral candidates are welcome to apply
• Complete fluency in written and spoken English is required

Required Application Materials:

1. Statement of Interest: Explain why you feel you should be considered for the Ketchum PRISM Fellowship. This should include your motivation, relevant experience, and career goals.
2. Research Prospectus: In 1000 words or less, explain the topic of research you plan to cover. The prospectus should demonstrate:

1. Clear research question or focus area
2. Relevance to public relations practice
3. Methodological approach
4. Potential implications for industry practitioners
5. Resume: Include public relations-related work/research experience and/or other pertinent experience. Highlight:

1. Academic research projects
2. Industry internships or work experience
3. Analytical or data-related skills
4. Writing and communication accomplishments

Why This Fellowship Matters

The public relations industry increasingly demands evidence-based practice, yet there remains a gap between academic research and industry application. Academic research often prioritizes theoretical contributions over practical relevance, while industry practitioners may lack the time, resources, or expertise to conduct rigorous research.

The Ketchum PRISM Fellowship bridges this gap. It provides a graduate student with the opportunity to:

• Apply academic research skills in a real-world agency setting
• Contribute to projects that directly impact client strategies
• Produce research that is both rigorous and relevant to practitioners
• Build a professional network within one of the world’s leading PR firms

The resulting research paper is published on the IPR website, making it accessible to PR professionals worldwide and contributing to the body of knowledge that advances the profession. For graduate students considering careers in industry research, this fellowship offers invaluable experience, mentorship, and visibility. For those pursuing academic careers, it provides a rare opportunity to see how research informs practice and to produce work with tangible impact.

About the Institute for Public Relations

The Institute for Public Relations (IPR) is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to the science beneath the art of public relations. IPR focuses on research that matters to the practice, providing insights and evidence that help PR professionals make better decisions. IPR’s research priorities include measurement, analytics, organizational communication, crisis management, and diversity and inclusion.

About Ketchum

Ketchum is a global public relations firm with offices in more than 70 countries. The agency is known for its research-driven approach, creative excellence, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. Ketchum’s Analytics and Strategy teams work with clients across industries to generate insights that inform strategy, measure impact, and drive business results.

What the Fellowship Looks For

The selection committee seeks candidates who demonstrate:

Research Excellence:

• Strong understanding of research methodologies
• Ability to design and execute rigorous studies
• Experience with data analysis and interpretation
• Familiarity with industry research tools and technologies

Industry Relevance:

• Understanding of public relations practice and challenges
• Ability to translate research findings into actionable insights
• Interest in applied research that matters to practitioners

Communication Skills:

• Clear and compelling writing
• Ability to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences
• Interest in nontraditional communication formats (infographics, video, etc.)

Professional Potential:

• Intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Commitment to advancing the public relations profession

Research Focus Areas

The fellowship emphasizes research that matters to practice. Potential research topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Measurement and analytics in public relations
• Strategic positioning and message testing
• Audience insights and segmentation
• Social media listening and analysis
• Reputation management and brand tracking
• Crisis communication research
• Employee engagement and internal communications
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion in PR
• Integration of AI and emerging technologies in PR research

The Fellow will work with Ketchum’s Analytics and Strategy teams, gaining exposure to real client challenges and contributing to projects that have immediate practical application.

Application Process

Click on the link to the application website to apply. The application form can be found on the Institute for Public Relations website.

Submission Instructions:

1. Complete the online application form
2. Upload your Statement of Interest
3. Upload your Research Prospectus (1000 words or less)
4. Upload your Resume
5. Submit before the deadline

Questions: Email info@instituteforpr.org with any questions about the fellowship or application process.

Application Deadline: 17 April 2026. All applications must be submitted through the official portal before the deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.

Selection Timeline

• April 2026: Application deadline
• April–May 2026: Review of applications and candidate selection
• Summer 2026: Eight-week fellowship at Ketchum (specific dates to be arranged with selected Fellow)
• December 3, 2026: Recognition at IPR Annual Awards Gala in New York City

For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the Ketchum PRISM Fellowship