The Research Heroes programme 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 2022/23 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.

Judges for 2023 are Gemma Bumpsteed of Unilever; Jane Frost, chief executive at MRS; Shazia Ali of Mint Research; Nick Meagher of Cooperative Group; Hayley Ward of Deliveroo; Clare Woodward of BT; and Georgie White of Holland & Barratt.

The deadline for submissions the latest round of Research Heroes is 5pm on Tuesday 9^th May.

Submissions should include an email with the name, job title and organisation of the person nominated and a maximum 300-word description of the reason why they would be a worthy Research Hero, sent to info@mrs.org.uk.

Frost said: “Part of being a welcoming inclusive sector is celebrating the variety of achievements and contributions that are made by the people around us.

“We all know people who have ‘gone the extra mile’ but whose contribution doesn’t fit in the normal boxes for reward and recognition.

“Get your nominations in so we can recognise some of the brilliant people who go above and beyond the expected.”

For more information, please click here.