The Research Heroes programme – which is supported by Opinium – celebrates individuals who do not necessarily qualify for normal professional recognition, but who have given exceptional service to the sector, their colleagues or stakeholders.

The programme was set up in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic, and winners receive a digital certificate, a voucher for a one-day conference of their choice and inclusion on the Research Heroes wall of fame on Research Live.

Criteria for submissions is that those nominated should work in research, insight or analytics, including in support and operations, and have contributed during 2023/24 to make a difference in research, or to support colleagues and co-workers or the community.

Other criteria include having forwarded the cause of research, or campaigns that are important to the sector such as quality, diversity and sustainability, and successful recipients will need 80% approval from a panel of judges.

Recipients must have given consistent service to the sector for which they cannot be recognised with a professional award, such as a fellowship.

To apply, send 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 5pm on Tuesday 7th May. 

The judges are Gemma Bumpsteed at Unilever, Shazia Ali at Mint Research, Nick Meagher at Cooperative Group, Hayley Ward at Deliveroo, Clare Woodward at BT, Georgie White at Holland & Barratt, and Jane Frost, chief executive at MRS.

Frost 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.”

You can see all past Research Heroes here.