Research Heroes – celebrating the unsung heroes of research

MRS launched a new accolade for individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic: Research Heroes were recognised for how they had worked in heroic ways for the research sector.  

Research Heroes 2025 will be announced on 7 July on Research Live.

About the programme 

The Research Heroes programme celebrates individuals who do not necessarily qualify for our normal professional recognitions, such as Fellowships, but who have given exceptional service to the sector or who have done something amazing for their colleagues or stakeholders.  

• See all Research Heroes in the 'Hall of Heroes'  

Jane Frost, chief executive, MRS says: “We all need to say thank you more and celebrate more. There are no limits to the Research Hero scheme - all the research heroes are receiving a big thank you from their colleagues via this award. Congratulations to all of them for inspiring the nominations and a personal thank you for all you have done!”

Criteria for research heroes:

• Work in research, insight or analytics (can include support and operations employees)
• Have done one or more of the following:

- Have contributed during 2024/25 to make a difference in research, or to support colleagues and co-workers or the community

- Have given consistent service to the sector for which they cannot be recognised with a professional award such as a Fellowship

- Have forwarded the cause of research, or the campaigns that are most important to the sector such as quality, diversity and sustainability. 

• Must receive 80% of approval from responding judges
  

How to nominate

Please send the full name, job title and contact email of the nominee with your maximum 200-word description of the reason you have chosen them, to info@mrs.org.uk

No organisation should send in more than three employee nominations.

The nomination period for 2025 closes at 5pm on 7 May. 

Research Heroes 2025 will be announced on 7 July on Research Live.

 Winners will:

• receive a digital Research Hero certificate
• be celebrated on the Research Heroes wall of fame on Research Live
• receive a voucher for a one day conference of their choice.

Judges for 2025

Shazia Ali, Founder/Qualitative Specialist, Mint Research said:

"The Research Hero Award looks beyond any industry specific criteria and focusses on celebrating the individual for adding value and for exceptional service within our industry. It’s an award that champions everything about inclusion as there are no limits to who is nominated, reflecting an industry which is continually working towards being inclusive and representative."

Hayley Ward, Director of Research & Insight said:

"This is a really important award that really celebrates people who go over and beyond for the good of all of us who work in the sector. It is a fantastic way to recognise people who genuinely care about making a positive difference."

Louise Sharpe, Senior Insight Manager BT Group said:

"I think this initiative provides a great platform to celebrate those colleagues that truly deserve to be recognised for the role they play and the contribution they make to our sector. Given the broad nomination criteria, the award is open to all, so helps to champion inclusivity”

Marie Robelin, Growth Strategy & Transformation Insights Lead at Unilever said:

 "This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the exceptional contributions of individuals within our industry. It is an inclusive platform that recognizes the diverse talents and dedication of professionals who strive to make a positive impact.”

James Turner, CEO & Founder said:

"One of the things that makes the market research industry so special is that its people go the extra mile. Heroes to their clients, heroes to citizens and consumers, and heroes to their colleagues. This award allows us to celebrate the best of our industry,  in a unique way, and I encourage you all to nominate the hero close to you."

Lydia Fuller, Chief Operating Officer, Acumen Fieldwork said:

"This award is unique in that it’s for everyone, recognising contributions across the industry, be that in a client organisation, research agency or those working in operations / support functions. We could all say ‘thank you’ more and I’m looking forward to celebrating all of the heroes in our sector. "

Paul Child, Head of UK, Human8 said:

"Not every hero wears a cape, and recognising the heroes hiding in plain sight gives us the opportunity to thank them for the amazing work they are doing for our industry. These people are making a positive difference to our sector in lots of different ways…helping celebrate that diversity is a privilege!"

Adam Goddard, General Manager, Walr said:

“Recognising these contributions is essential in fostering a supportive and inclusive research community, and I’m really pleased to be part of this initiative.”

Nick Meagher,  Head of Advanced Analytics and Insight, Cooperative Group said:

"We know heroes come in all guises so this is a great way to recognise that, and who hasn’t dreamed about being a super-hero, and what your particularly special power would be!”

Georgie White, Chief Customer Officer, Holland & Barrett