Progress in the communication of research.

In 2003, the IABC Research Foundation continued its effort to advance the communication profession by delivering knowledge, findings and tools vital to effective communication.

* The Foundation added to its growing inventory of work by publishing two new reports: "intangible Assets and Communication," and "Communication Behavior of Virtual Workforces."

* It also organized three additional studies: "Business Communication Ethics," "The Communication Function in Small Businesses" and "Commonalities in Best Communication Practices." Reports from these studies will be published in the next few months.

* Collaborating with Watson Wyatt Worldwide, the Foundation convened a panel of top communication executives to analyze the value that communication delivers to organizations, and to identify best practices for measuring that value. A summary report of the panel discussion, "Assessing the Value of Communication," appeared in the Jan./Feb. 2004 issue of Communication World.

* Once again, the Foundation's Call for Papers program was successful. The winning student paper was submitted by Megan D. Sullivan of Ithaca College, Ithaca, N.Y., USA. The paper, "Knowledge-Capturing Technologies and the Culture of Change," was published on the IABC Research Foundation web site.

* The Foundation conducted a Think Tank panel, including 16 senior communication practitioners and academics. The Think Tank report pointed to a number of significant themes and emerging issues in communication, which will help frame the research agenda of the Foundation in the year to come.

* To make its research projects more widely available, the Foundation adopted a new pricing policy for members that reduces the cost of printed manuals by 50 percent and the cost of electronic downloads by up to two-thirds. These price reductions have significantly increased the number of reports sold, achieving the Foundation's goal of more broadly distributing its work.

These research programs are made possible through the efforts and financial support of the Foundation's trustees, volunteers, sponsors and staff. For more information on the Foundation's work, visit www.iabc.com/fdtnweb.