The MRS Awards 2021 have opened for entries, featuring 23 categories designed to recognise the extraordinary work the sector has continued to produce during the pandemic and the research and insight businesses who have excelled against the odds in these challenging times.

“It is more important than ever to shout about the amazing work the sector has been doing – paid and unpaid – both for ourselves and to remind brands and government how essential we remain for giving a voice to consumers and citizens and for the economy,” says CEO of MRS Jane Frost.

MRS are delighted that Cint will continue their support as Principal Sponsor. Their CEO, Tom Buehlmann, says: “This is an exciting time for the insights industry, as we are faced with new challenges and opportunities around every corner. The strides that our industry is making when it comes to digital transformation, and the agility this space is demonstrating in order to meet the demands in the marketplace, are impressive. The MRS Awards program can always be counted on to spotlight companies that are doing things right, working together and employing new technologies to future-proof the research sector. We look forward to honouring those who are innovating, inspiring change and delivering results during 2021!”

All of last year’s categories return, with the Breakthrough Business Award renamed as Best New Venture, however the one major change is the division of Research Live’s Young Researcher of the Year into separate client-side and supplier awards.

James Endersby, CEO of Opinium, who are sponsoring the client-side Young Researcher of the Year category, says: “Recognising and celebrating junior talent is something we are particularly passionate about at Opinium. As an industry, it is absolutely vital for us all to support, nurture, grow and develop our next generation of industry leaders.”

The supplier-side award is sponsored by IFF Research. Managing Director Jan Shury says: “In a year when we’ve had to review everything about how we live, work, govern, and do business, new voices and new visions have never been more important. Ensuring that we listen to and empower the next generation of researchers is paramount if the research industry is to play its part in the reset. After all, they’ll be at the heart of delivering impactful research that addresses today’s issues for a better tomorrow.”

For the first time this year the judges will also have the power to spotlight some entries for ‘wild card’ awards – these freeform categories could recognise anything the judges feel deserves some extra applause – a single ingenious idea, outstanding colleague support or inspirational leadership might be examples.

The deadline for entries is 4pm on 5 July. See the categories and enter here.

Read Jane Frost’s blog on ‘winning against the odds’.

To enquire about remaining sponsorship opportunities email tim.jones@mrs.org.uk.

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