The Ragan Research Award provides undergraduate students the opportunity to compose an original research brief (~six pages) on an important topic impacting the profession of public relations. The winner will receive a stipend of $1500, have their paper published on IPR’s website, an article on PR Daily and Ragan websites, a profile written by PR Daily Editor-in-Chief Allison Carter, and an informational interview with Ragan CEO Diane Schwartz. The winner will be honored at the IPR Distinguished Lecture Dinner on December 4, 2024, in New York City.

Deadline: June 16, 2024
Completed Research Paper Submission Deadline: September 15, 2024

Applicant requirements:

  • Strong written and spoken fluency in English
  • Undergraduate (juniors/seniors) in public relations, communications, media, marketing, or similar majors who are studying in the United States
  • Must have at least one methodology course in research methods (e.g., survey, content analysis, experimental design, etc.)

How to Apply:

Submit an application including an abstract (min. 250 words) based on this year’s theme:

  • Misinformation and Its Impact on Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012)


Select from a topic below or submit one of your own choosing:

Suggested topics for consideration:

  • Gen Z’s Role in the Spread and Control of Misinformation
  • Gen Z’s Attitudes & Behaviors on Social Media
  • Ethical and Privacy Considerations for Gen Z


If selected, the research brief must include citations of reputable research sources and recommendations for how communicators can and should leverage this information to improve strategies. We encourage original writing therefore AI-generated content must be cited.

2023 Winner - SERA CHOI, COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY ​

Download Report (PDF): Beyond Apologies: The Role of Ethic of Care Messaging in AI Crisis Communication

The Institute for Public Relations and Ragan Communications will award the 2023 Ragan Research Award to Colorado State University Ph.D. candidate Sera Choi. Choi will receive a $1,500 stipend for publishing her research paper.

Her research investigates the effectiveness of crisis response strategies in the context of AI failure crises, with a particular focus on their impact on organizational reputation and supportive behavioral intention. The study examines three response strategies: denial, excuse, and apology, and the level of ethic of care message in crisis communication.

About Sera Choi:
Sera Choi is a Ph.D. candidate in Public Communication and Technology at Colorado State University and serves as an instructor at Grand Valley State University. Her research expertise lies in strategic communication and crisis communication, with a particular focus on the impact of artificial intelligence. Her work encompasses a range of critical topics, including the ethics of AI failures and crises, the influence of AI influencers in social media, and effective strategies to combat misinformation.

Download Report (PDF): Beyond Apologies: The Role of Ethic of Care Messaging in AI Crisis Communication

Previous winner:

Download Report (PDF): Engaging Employees Through Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Narratives

The Institute for Public Relations and Ragan Communications awarded the 2022 Ragan Research Award to University of Georgia Ph.D. candidate Jeonghyun “Janice” Lee. Lee will receive a $1,500 stipend for publishing a research brief on creating engaging environmental, social, and governance (ESG) narratives on social media platforms.