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.  

Thank you to our sponsor Opinium for supporting this initiative:

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:

Send us an email with the name, job title and organisation of the person you are nominating, and a maximum 200-word description of the reason you have chosen them, to info@mrs.org.uk

The nomination period for 2025 is 7 April - 7 May. Please do not send nominations before this date.

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.

This year's judges to be announced soon.