BEA’s Law & Policy Division invites BEA graduate student members and new and early-career faculty BEA members to submit their research for the annual Law & Policy Division Research Competition. 

Purpose
This competition recognizes outstanding research that advances understanding of electronic media law, regulation, governance, and policy including (but not limited to) broadcasting, streaming platforms, telecommunications, digital speech, media institutions, AI and media regulation, privacy, intellectual property, and emerging policy challenges. 

Eligibility
Applicants must meet one of the categories below at the time of submission:

• Graduate Student Member
  Current BEA graduate student member enrolled in a graduate program (MA/MS/MFA/PhD or equivalent) during the submission year.
  
• New and Early-Career Faculty Member
  Current BEA member who holds a full-time faculty appointment and has completed at least one but no more than five academic years as a full-time faculty member.  

Submission Form (online form)
Applicant information
Current CV
Abstract: Upload an extended abstract of no more than 3,000 words. Abstracts should include: 
– Introduction
– Literature Review
– Research questions and/or hypothese
– Proposed methodology
– Brief summary of expected results
Support Letter
– Graduate students: brief letter from advisor/graduate director
– New faculty: brief letter from chair/dean or appointment letter 

Review & Selection Process
Submissions are reviewed by a panel of Law & Policy Division leadership. 

Evaluation Criteria
– Originality and significance to electronic media law/policy
– Strength of argumentation and evidence
– Methodological rigor/appropriateness (as applicable)
– Contribution to scholarship and/or policy practice
– Clarity, organization, and scholarly presentation 

Award
Each year, one winner is selected. The winner receives:
– $1,000 award
– Up to $1,000 travel stipend reimbursement
– Complimentary BEA convention registration and recognition during BEA’s awards programming 

Submission Timeline
Submissions open: September 1
Deadline: December 15 at 11:59 pm ET
Winner notified/announced: Late January 

Questions
For questions about eligibility or submission requirements, contact the Law & Policy Division leadership or the BEA Staff at help@BEAweb.org.