MCS awards outstanding research proposals focused on some aspect of mass communication research. Each year we offer two research grants for faculty and one for students. We award each of two faculty-led research proposals a total of $10,000 to complete the proposed research projects. Of this, $5,000 will be presented to the recipient(s) at the annual conference Award Luncheon. The remaining $5,000 will be given after the authors submit their paper to the Division journal, “Mass Communication and Society.”
One graduate student-led research proposal will be given a total of $5,000 to complete the proposed research project. Of this, $2,500 will be presented to the recipient(s) at the annual conference Division Award Luncheon. The remaining $2,500 will be given after the authors submit their paper to the Division journal, “Mass Communication and Society.”
RESEARCH TOPIC
Any topic that advances mass communication research, especially at the societal or macrosocial level, is eligible for the award. Proposals must emphasize the interaction with society and fit with the Division’s mission. All methods, whether qualitative or quantitative, are welcomed.
PROPOSAL
The proposal and additional materials (curriculum vita and budget, see below) should be submitted as ONE PDF in the order listed below. Include the applicant’s last name in the PDF file.
The proposal should total no more than 5 pages, single spaced. It should include the following sections:1) An overview of the study, stressing the importance of the topic and the fit with the Division’s mission. This section should include the research questions and hypotheses, if applicable;2) A brief literature review citing the most relevant articles and describing where the project fits with past research;3) Proposed methods, with as much detail as possible;4) A proposed timeline from inception of the project to “Mass Communication and Society” submission. Note: The project must be completed within two years from the date of the business meeting in which the first half of the award is granted.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS REQUIRED
Include a current curriculum vita and a detailed project budget, showing how the research funds would be used. For the most part, hosting/entertaining expenses and personal memberships and subscriptions will not be funded, unless justified by the researcher. Overhead/indirect costs and salary are also not funded. If matching funds are promised by another source, please include a letter (or e-mail) of support from the department chair or other administrator responsible for those funds. These materials should also be included in the PDF.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
The PDF should be submitted electronically to the Awards Chair, Anastasia Kononova, at kononova@msu.edu, by 11:59 pm EDT on April 30th.
ELIGIBILITY
Any member of the MCS Division who is currently teaching, researching or studying mass communication full-time is eligible. Members of the MCS Executive Committee are ineligible to apply.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Half of the awarded funds will be distributed at the start of the project, and the other half will be awarded when the project is submitted to “Mass Communication and Society” for review, as long as that submission takes place within the two-year deadline. To receive the second half of the funds, winners need to submit their original proposal, a manuscript submitted to Mass Communication and Society, submission confirmation, and contact address where the check needs to be sent. Those not completing the project in two years from the date of award become ineligible for the additional funding; however, the journal still has first right of refusal on the research project. Proposals will be reviewed by the current Division Head, the immediate Past Head, and the MCS Journal Editor.
PAST WINNERS
Faculty Research Award:
Student Research Award:
Conference Top PapersOpen competition category:
Student category:
Moeller Student Category (based on a course project)
Best Conference Reviewer: Sada Reed (Arizona State University)
Top Paper Award (Journal of Mass Communication and Society)
Top Reviewers (Journal of Mass Communication and Society)
Faculty 1st Place
Faculty 2nd Place
Student
Faculty
Winner 1
Winner 2
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