The five IPR Commissions and Centers of Excellence focus on critical topics in the public relations and communication industry, including behavioral science, measurement, organizational communication, digital media, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Each Center comprises key industry and academic leaders as well as subject matter experts who contribute to the body of knowledge in the field through research studies and thought leadership.

Behavioral Insights Research Center

The mission of the IPR Behavioral Insights Research Center is to conduct research on the factors that influence attitude and behavioral change to enable effective communication. BIRC can help professionals understand how and why people think and behave the way they do in this ever-changing business environment. Research areas include how to better understand the influence of cognitive neuroscience, behavioral economics, social psychology and narrative theory to positively influence the study and practice of public relations.

Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The mission of the IPR Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CDEI) is to support, conduct, and promote research and insights relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace focused on six core areas: BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women, intersectionality, disabilities, and mental health. Along with recommendations for improving the industry, the IPR CDEI will also support the change-focused efforts of the Diversity Action Alliance.

Digital Media Research Center

The IPR Digital Media Research Center (DMRC) is a comprehensive resource for research and best practices in digital and social media. In addition to conducting signature research, the DMRC has a continuously growing database of overviews for published academic and professional research that provide insight into how digital media are impacting public relations.

IPR Measurement Commission

The mission of the Measurement Commission is to develop and promote standards and best practices for research, measurement, and analytics that contribute to ethical, strategic, and effective public relations. The Measurement Commission comprises researcher-practitioners and thought-leaders in public relations research, measurement, and evaluation, who represent four segments of the global public relations industry: (i) corporations, government, and non-profits; (ii) public relations agencies; (iii) research firms; and (iv) academia.

Organizational Communication Research Center

The IPR Organizational Communication Research Center is a knowledge aggregator, model innovator and thought leader in the areas of employee communication and engagement. The IPR Organizational Communication Research Center is the go-to source for game-changing employee communication research, best practices and measures for engaging employees and building trust, and the future of work.