First award for survey research technology

MRS and ASC announce an open competition for their new joint award for research technology effectiveness

Date: 1 May 2003

The Market Research Society (MRS) and the Association for Survey Computing (ASC) today announce a new award, the MRS/ASC Joint Award for Technology Effectiveness. It is believed to be the first such award from any professional body worldwide for excellence in technology for market, opinion and social research. Judged by a panel of industry experts, the award will be presented to the company or individual considered to have achieved the highest level of excellence in creating software or other technology that promotes greater effectiveness in the practice and delivery of research, at the Research Excellence & Effectiveness Awards to be held in London on the 25 November 2003.

ASC and MRS, working in partnership, invite nominations for the award from either those using technology in the practice of professional research, or those who have developed software or technology for market, opinion and social research. Entry criteria and an entry form are available from either the ASC or MRS web site. Nominations should be forwarded to ASC no later than 30 June 2003. The judging panel will announce a short list of four nominations at the ASC International Conference "The Impact of Technology on the Survey Process" at Warwick University, England, 17-19 September.

David Barr, Director General of the Market Research Society, said: "Effective deployment of software and technology is now vital in all information and knowledge management disciplines. In addition to organising traditional surveys, many researchers have become 'data integrators' from multiple sources. In conventional applications, technology already contributes greatly to speedy and cost-effective information collection and processing. Now it is becoming central to enhancing the capabilities for analysis and insight so sought after by researchers. This new award will bring deserved prominence and greater recognition to those whose excellence in technology applications makes an outstanding contribution to research effectiveness."

Tim Macer, ASC Committee member and Chair of the judging panel, commented: "Technological innovation is only ever half of the equation; it is the application of the technology that yields the result. By focussing on technology effectiveness, our aim is to recognise and reward those who are innovative enough to develop something fresh, yet expert enough to ensure it provides a practical answer to those involved in research."

Notes for Editors

The Market Research Society (MRS) is the world's largest international membership organisation for professional researchers and others involved or interested in market, social or opinion research. For more information on The MRS and its activities, please visit its website at www.mrs.org.uk.

The Association for Survey Computing is a not for profit organisation that exists to provide an international forum for those concerned with survey research and statistical computing. It aims to keep its members up to date with developments in the application of computers and information technology in all aspects of the survey process. This is achieved by the organisation of conferences offering an exceptionally high standard of discourse and debate throughout the year, some focussing on specific themes, and others of a broader nature.

The ASC has a wide-ranging membership both at individual and corporate levels, and includes many members outside of the United Kingdom. It has links with the International Association for Statistical Computing, the Market Research Society, the Royal Statistical Society and the Social Research Association.

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