Operations Awards

The largest ever MRS Oppies took place at Drake & Morgan at Kings Cross, on 26 September.

We welcomed over 300 guests who enjoyed a fantastic evening, recognising the unsung heroes of research for their important contributions that keep the sector running.

Oppies Awards 2024 - photo gallery

click here to see the photos

Premier Award - Operational Excellence

Sponsored by

• WINNER – Cobalt Sky

  The judges said: “Cobalt Sky stood out with their holistic approach, including their ‘Right on Time, First Time’ commitment. The metrics for project delivery times, budgets and communication are all very impressive. This is supported by a robust approach to the MRS Code of Conduct, data protection and ISO standards plus strong commitments to EDI and sustainability.”

  HIGHLY COMMENDED – Potentia Insight & Sense:lab

  Finalists

  • Bulbshare
  • Hall & Partners
  • IFF Research
  • Rigour Research
  • RONIN International

Operations Future Leader

Sponsored by

• WINNER – Samantha Morrisroe, IFF Research

  The judges said: “Samantha has made a huge impact, displaying exemplary leadership attributes in fostering a highly inclusive and positive working environment. Using strong collaborative skills, she works tirelessly and with great enthusiasm, always with the wider team in mind, bridging the gap between Research and Operations.”

  HIGHLY COMMENDED – Verity Game, Strat7 Incite & Cassandra Rankin, Ipsos UK 

  Finalists

  • Laura Butterworth, FlexMR
  • Molly Ebdon, Angelfish Fieldwork
  • Samantha Garlick, Acumen Fieldwork
  • Priya Suri, Smart Connect Research

Best Data Collection - Interviewer Administered

 Sponsored by

• WINNER – Ipsos

  The judges said: “Ipsos showcased ingenuity, innovation, and commitment to new techniques on their Early Life Feasibility study of infant development. The results will be invaluable in shaping the methodologies employed in the upcoming large-scale birth cohort study. The fieldwork team demonstrated great agility, creativity and skill and should be proud of this well-deserved win.”

  HIGHLY COMMENDED – Prevision Research

  Finalists

  • B2B International
  • Hall & Partners
  • RONIN International

Best Online Data Collection – Quantitative

Sponsored by

• WINNER – Giraffe Insights

  The judges said: “Giraffe Insights have excelled in their access and engagement of young audiences. Using an AI tool to adapt language to different age groups informed by academic theory and real-world experiences. Participation increased by 70% and greatly improved the quality of the research.”

  HIGHLY COMMENDED – Cobalt Sky

  Finalists

  • Face Facts Research (voter registration)
  • Face Facts Research (Online harm)
  • QRS Market Research
  • RONIN International
  • The Research Partnership

Best Data Solution

Sponsored by

• WINNER – Stravito

  The judges said: “Stravito has developed and launched a generative AI insights solution which helps global enterprises extract and synthesize insights for business decisions at scale – Keeping research findings very much off the shelf and firmly at the heart of decision making.”

• WINNER – Unilever CMI PDC in partnership with Capgemini

  The judges said: “Unilever has designed and launched R-View an efficient data platform that allows them to quickly understand the consumer journey through virtual real-time ratings and reviews. The new platform is having impact and monitors priority brand health across the company.”

  Finalists

  • Behaviorally
  • Blue Yonder Research
  • ESA Retail
  • Ipsos
  • Ipsos Jarmany
  • Novartis & Market Logic Software
  • Mintel Leap
  • SampleNinja LLC
  • Savanta & Samsung
  • Sky UK
  • Streetbees

Best Online Qual

Sponsored by

• WINNER – Brand Jar

  The judges said: “The winning entry was a challenging project engaging with the Under 30’s. The online methodology was agile and creative, including platform integrated AI tools. The project design ensured that it was fully GDPR compliant and participant data was secure at all stages of the research. Client testimonials praised them for exceeding their delivery times and for their flexible reporting which produced exceptional results.”

  HIGHLY COMMENDED – Discuss

  Finalists

  • Bilendi & respondi & Zinc Network
  • Bolt Insight
  • Bulbshare
  • dscout & HSBC UK
  • Net Natives

­­­­­­­­­Best Support Services

Sponsored by

• WINNER – Empower Translate

  The judges said: “The winners rose to the dual challenges of a demanding technical brief and a tight timeframe in providing a comprehensive range of full-service localisation for specialist IDIs with orthodontists. They tailored their services to seamlessly meet the needs of the client - saving both time and money without ever compromising quality.”

  Finalists

  • E-Tabs

Best Sustainable Operations

Sponsored by

• WINNER – B2B International

  The judges said “B2B International set precise goals to reduce CO2 by 2030 and use renewable energy everywhere it is available. Their aim also includes a longer term target to achieve net zero by 2040. Strong recognition was given in the supporting statements and is also evidenced by external agencies like the Dow Jones Sustainability indices.”

Best Training and Development

Sponsored by

• WINNER – IFF Research

  The judges said: “Iff Research have focused on delivering high quality training and continuous learning and support. The judges were impressed with the inclusive opportunities and the amount of support and motivation offered to the operations team.”

  Finalists

  • Aytm
  • B2B International
  • Epinion Research
  • Ipsos

Best Viewing Facility

Sponsored by

• WINNER – i-view London

  The judges said “The winner clearly demonstrated business resilience and genuine innovation, while remaining dedicated to diversity, inclusion and accessibility for all employees and participants. They transformed their space with flexibility and versatility and continue to be at the forefront of maintaining excellent standards for all research held on their premises.”

  Finalists

  • Aspect in View
  • Babble Research
  • PRS IN VIVO
  • Reflections Manchester
  • Sense:lab
  • Spectrum

RAS Independent Recruiter of the Year

Sponsored by

• WINNER – Caitlin Patterson, recruiting for BEAM Fieldwork

  The judges said: “Caitlin implemented ‘Compassionate Care’ communication principles, providing a framework for recruitment to establish and maintain human connection and build trust for a challenging shopping experience project. This was particularly important as the project was aimed at gaining an understanding through the lens of people living with physical and sensory disabilities, mental health conditions, neurodiversity, learning disabilities and life-affecting illnesses.” 

Recruitment Excellence

Sponsored by

• WINNER – Face Facts Research

  The judges said: “Face Facts Research clearly demonstrated excellent project management skills and how they delivered outstanding recruitment to their client. They implemented rigorous quality checks, overcame challenging issues by going the extra mile and had exceptional communication and collaboration with their client at every stage of the project. Client testimonials praised their flexible, solution orientated approach which sets them apart from other suppliers.”

  Finalists

  • BEAM Fieldwork
  • Brand Ignite
  • Research Opinions
  • RONIN International
  • Smart Connect Research
  • Viewpoint