Fellows, Patrons & Honours

Representing, advocating and supporting the research sector

MRS Patrons

• Patrick Barwise
• Roisin Donnelly
• Clive Humby
• Sir Martin Sorrell
• Stan Sthanunathan
• Edwina Dunn
• Sir Robert Worcester
• Peter York

Patrick Barwise

“One of my priorities is to ensure that research and other insights are relevant and actionable, flow freely through the organisation to reach decision-makers and are acted on rather than buried or ignored. As patron of MRS, I want to help promote the importance of research as the lifeblood of customer-focused delivery and innovation.”

Patrick attended our roundtable where attendees debated findings from the inaugural MRS Delphi report. Read the article here.

Roisin Donnelly

Roisin spoke to us about using data and insight to win business. Watch the video here.

Clive Humby

MRS Patrons Peter York and Clive Humby discuss the importance of evidence in this video.

Sir Martin Sorrell

"If possible, market research, or what we call consumer insight, is becoming even more important in this day and age. The changes in new markets, new media and the application of technology and development of big data mean that market research or consumer insight is critically important in understanding strategic planning and creative execution, opportunities and issues."

In 2014, Martin spoke at our annual conference, and discussed the link between data and the economy in 2014. Watch the video here. 

Stan Sthanunathan

Watch our interview with Stan looking at the secret of a good client relationship here.

Edwina Dunn

Edwina wrote the foreword of our privacy report, 'Private lives?', looking at the consumer perspective of the consumer debate. Read the report here. 

Sir Robert Worcester

“Market research is a way of life. It gives the curious, the intelligent and the interested a view of society which is almost unique. It provides a means by which an alert – but not indolent – young person might taste of a broad variety of experiences without becoming too attached to any one stream and therefore limit their opportunity to move upwards in the trade, or outward into a wide variety of occupations and callings. I hope that as a patron of the MRS I can give a bit back to what I’ve learned about the fascinating business we are in.”

Peter York

“Market research is a very broad and brilliant church...and I want to do my bit to persuade people of that.”

MRS Patrons Peter York and Clive Humby discuss the importance of evidence in this video. 

This video follows the launch of a joint PwC/MRS industry report 'The Business of Evidence' which revealed that the UK research market is worth over £3bn, 50% more than previously estimated.

The Gold Medal, the MRS’s most prestigious honour, is awarded to individuals in recognition of their outstanding contribution to market and social research. The Gold Medal is reserved by MRS for only the most significant individual contributions to the sector.

Below is a list of current MRS Gold Medallists.

Find out more about routes to MRS Honours.

MRS Gold Medallists

2024 - Ian Brace

2021 – Phyllis Macfarlane

2019 – Peter Mouncey

2018 – William (Bill) G. Blyth

2017 – Dr Barry Leventhal

2008 – Professor Sir Roger Jowell

2006 – Tony Cowling & John Samuels

2004 – Dr Stephan Buck & James Rothman

2002 – John Downham

1996 – Andrew Ehrenberg, Gerald Goodhardt & Paul Harris

1993 – Dr Elizabeth Nelson

1988 – Professor Harry Henry

1986 – Len England

1982 – Dr Mark Abrams

Honorary Fellowships are awarded to eminent public and business figures who have championed, or who demonstrate the power of research, insight or data from outside the sector.

Below is a list of Honorary Fellows who are acknowledged by the Society for their exceptional contribution to the profession.

Find out how to nominate a fellow.

Find out more about routes to MRS Honours.

MRS Honorary Fellows

Below is a list of MRS Fellows – who have gained recognition of exceptional accomplishment and contribution to the Profession and/or the objects of the Society and/or the interests of MRS Members.

Find out how to nominate a fellow.

Find out more about routes to MRS Honours.

MRS Fellows

Below is a list of past MRS Fellows and Honorary Fellows who were acknowledged by the Society for their exceptional contribution to the profession.

Honorary Fellows                            Honorary Fellows (posth.)

Fellows