Research Heroes – celebrating the unsung heroes of research

In 2021, during the pandemic, MRS launched a new accolade for individuals – Research Heroes – who 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 

Our 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 2023/24 to make a difference in research, or to support colleagues and co-workers or the community in this difficult time

- 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 deadline for nominations is 17:00, Tuesday 7 May. 

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:

• 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."

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

"I think this is a really fantastic initiative for our sector – it’s a chance to give a brilliant colleague a big public thank-you, and I think it’s particularly inclusive as it is open to all, with a broad remit.  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!”

• Hayley Ward, Director of User Research and Insight, Deliveroo, 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."

• Georgie White, Chief Customer Officer, Holland & Barratt, said:

“Many of the wonderful individuals in our sector do amazing things, creating real change and driving a lasting impact. It’s great to see some of the best and brightest of our sector be recognised in these brilliant awards for the fantastic work they do.”

• Clare Woodward, BT
• Gemma Bumpsteed, Unilever
• Jane Frost, CEO of MRS