New Canadian Public Relations Society prize

--  SSHRC Award for Excellence --

MONTREAL, May 29, 2015­ /CNW/ - The Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) is proud to partner with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) in the unveiling of the new SSHRC Award for Excellence promoting the benefits and impacts of social sciences and humanities research.

"The partnership between CPRS and SSHRC is a natural fit as this new award will demonstrate," said Sean Kelly, President of CPRS. "Recognizing the communications teams in universities and colleges who promote the valuable research being conducted in the social sciences and humanities will benefit both organizations," noted Kelly.

"It has never been more important to communicate the value of social sciences and humanities research, and its contribution to innovation, well-being and prosperity in Canada," said Ted Hewitt, President of SSHRC. "This joint initiative with CPRS will recognize the creative efforts made by our colleges and universities to help share these impacts."

CPRS and SSHRC will invite post-secondary institutions of all sizes in Canada in January 2016 to submit public relations activities recognizing the value of social sciences and humanities research. The deadline is March 7, 2016. The winners will be announced at the CPRS National Awards Gala in Toronto along with the other annual CPRS National Awards of Excellence recognizing outstanding public relations programs and projects from across the country.

The SSHRC Award for Excellence is divided into three categories, based on size of institution, including cégeps and colleges:

• Small institutions (less than 3,000 full-time students)
• Medium institutions (between 3,000 and 10,000 full-time students)
• Large institutions (more than 10,000 full-time students)

More information on the SSHRC Award for Excellence will be available in the upcoming months on the CPRS website www.cprs.ca. Follow the CPRS (@CPRSNational) and SSHRC (@SSHRC_CRSH) Twitter accounts to stay connected for updates on this new award in promoting social sciences and humanities research.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARTNERS

• The Canadian Public Relations Society, founded in 1948, is a national organization  dedicated to maintaining the highest standards and to sharing uniquely Canadian experience in public relations. Among other things, CPRS recognizes communications leadership through its major awards program.
• The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council is a separate agency of the Government of Canada founded in 1977 and mandated to promote and support postsecondary-based research and training in social sciences and the humanities. It awards some $339 million in research funding every year.

SOURCE Canadian Public Relations Society

For further information: Karen L. Dalton, APR, CAE, Executive Director, Canadian Public Relations Society, [e-mail], 416-239-7034; Christopher Walters, Director of communications, Social Sciences and Humanities Council, [e-mail], 613-992-4283