MRS Unlimited Team

The first part of my career focused on disability sport development in London, where I advised a range of National Governing Bodies, local authorities, delivery partners, and charities on enhancing the inclusiveness of their programmes for disabled people. I also project-managed several high-profile initiatives, including “Inclusive United” on behalf of The FA and Sport England, and the Sport England-funded “Motivate East” programme for the London Legacy Development Corporation, which aimed to increase physical activity levels among disabled Londoners.

Six years ago, I chose to pursue the area I had always aspired to work in: applied and strategic research. I now serve as Insight Manager at London Sport, where I bring together strategic insights that support organisations and communities across the capital. I also produce thought-leadership research and collaborate with academics to develop cutting-edge evidence for the sport and physical activity sector, with the aim of influencing and improving physical activity behaviours among Londoners.

Julie is an award winning researcher, experienced Insight Director and founder of Emerald Insights.

She is a firm believer that market research needs to be more inclusive of neurodiverse and disabled people. Julie has specialist knowledge across a variety of sectors allowing her to engage with a diverse group of participants including seldom heard audiences. Julie is an MRS, ICG & AQR member and an active member of the steering group at MRS Unlimited – a driving force for disability inclusive research.

Emerald Insights specialises in Qualitative & mixed methodology research, leveraging data analytics expertise and the power of AI. We collaborate with partners and work with global brands, commercial organisations, charities, NGO’s and government organisations. Emerald Insights supports innovation, refines brand positioning, conducts comprehensive communication & propositions testing, drives new product development and helps to enhance the usability of products and services for everyone.

Julie is passionate about the need for Disability Inclusion to be reflected in our research practices AND among industry professionals, to achieve a comprehensive understanding of people’s needs, identify opportunities for improvement and to make informed, strategic decisions that have real impact.

Julie is keen to use her experience to advocate for inclusive practices and seeks opportunities to develop and share knowledge in this area, to drive change!

Lauren is a Brand Strategy Director and trained researcher working with the team at The Mix Global. She has consulted for brands of all sizes across FMCG, technology, and athletic wear, and her expertise spans the full strategic spectrum—from research design and uncovering consumer insights to crafting actionable brand strategies and driving creative execution. A passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, she infuses her work with this ethos to inspire her clients to do better. She is excited to challenge the industry to recognise its shortcomings and hopes to leave it more accessible to and inclusive of people with disabilities than she found it.

With over 15 years of experience in research, I lead User Research and Service Design to deliver user-centric services, ensuring user needs are central to decision-making. I help teams find the balance between business and user needs, providing a holistic view. My new role as a Service Designer allows me to take the lead in designing with intention, shaping services that foster meaningful change, and creating experiences that deliver measurable impact for users and organisations. Lastly, my work as an AI Strategist includes pioneering AI-driven solutions, focusing on human behaviour and AI adoption. I also am the Wellbeing Lead for my department, and a wellbeing champion.

Laura Marples is a Senior Social Researcher at RNID, the national charity supporting the 18 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.

She is passionate about designing and delivering inclusive and accessible research that removes barriers to participation and ensures that the perspectives, needs and lived experiences of people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus are meaningfully represented.

Her work generates insights that drive positive change in policy, services and public understanding, helping to make life more inclusive for deaf people and people with hearing loss or tinnitus.

As a steering group member of MRS Unlimited, she is committed to collaboration, shared learning, and championing inclusive research practices.

Katherine is a Senior User Researcher currently working in financial services. Having spent 18 years in market research, before moving into a UX role, Katherine became aware of the barriers that users face and feels strongly that good design is inherently inclusive.

She believes that the only way to truly understand all users’ needs is to ensure people with disabilities are included in research. To support this, Katherine founded an Accessibility Champions group and developed processes to embed accessible research and design into everyday practice, ensuring it is recognised as a shared responsibility across the organisation. Her work has involved educating colleagues and challenging common stereotypes about disability.

Katherine now hopes to bring this passion and experience to the Steering Group, driving meaningful change, supporting researchers, and championing inclusive practices.

I am passionate about making research more inclusive and impactful. Over the past year, I have worked in insight within the charity sector, contributing to a variety of user and social research projects. I work with a panel of individuals with lived experience of being deaf, having hearing loss, or tinnitus, ensuring their perspectives inform decision-making and campaigning.

Before this, I worked as a facilitator, supporting deaf children to get involved in social action and decision-making opportunities.

With an academic background in Global Sustainable Development, I take a critical, values-driven approach to my work and practice. I love the opportunity to collaborate and learn from others, and I’m excited to contribute to the important work of MRS Unlimited.

Outside of work, I volunteer to help ensure equitable access to sporting opportunities for deaf and disabled students.