In 1956, the Press Research Centre was established in Cracow, Poland by a group of journalists and publishers, for the purpose of instituting press research that would have practical applications. The aims of the Centre were to conduct studies on the history of the Polish press, the contemporary press, press readership, and editorial techniques. The first sections of this document discuss the origins of the Centre and chronicle its activities and development during the years from 1956 to 1976. Succeeding sections outline theoretical and methodological principles of press research that have emerged during the years of the Centre's existence and discuss the relationship between press research and press practice. The document points out that the concept of press research formulated by the Centre has been accepted in Polish and foreign academic circles and that Polish press research is now a full-fledged, recognized academic discipline. (GW)