The Sir Bob Worcester Award for Outstanding Contributions to Political, Economic and Social Research

Sir Bob Worcester founded and chaired Market and Opinion Research International (MORI), a leading UK polling organisation. After MORI was acquired by Ipsos he served as International Director and later as Senior Advisor to Ipsos MORI.

This new award recognises his influential contributions to market and social research and political polling. His forward-thinking approach and unwavering commitment to quality and integrity have made a lasting impact on the profession.

The award will be presented to an individual who demonstrates a sustained and measurable impact on policy, practice, or societal outcomes within the fields of social, political, or economic research. Submissions must provide evidence of influence that extends beyond immediate outputs, reflecting a legacy of excellence in line with the values exemplified by Sir Bob Worcester.

Help us shine a spotlight on those shaping the future of research! We would love to hear your nominations for individuals that deserve this prestigious award.

Email us at research.awards@mrs.org.uk by close of play on Monday 13 April with a brief paragraph (350 – 500 words) on why your nominee should be considered. The winner will be announced at our Excellence Awards on the 5 June.

A guide to what the judges are looking for is below:

• Demonstration of adherence and commitment to the highest standards of ethical conduct, accuracy, and quality in research as set out in the MRS Code of Conduct.
  
  
• Evidence of influence including how research findings have been applied in practice and contributed to decision making in the public sphere; changed public or stakeholder perceptions or advanced public dialogue.
  
  
• Demonstrates a clear and proactive commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, accessibility, and equitable engagement ensuring participation from all segments of the target population including those who may normally be deemed seldom heard or harder to reach.  
  
  
• Evidence of how the research contributes to long-term strategic thinking, delivering enduring value to the profession. Submissions should highlight how their work supports sustainable development or provides benefits beyond the immediate project lifecycle. 
  
  
• Demonstration of methodological rigour and innovation including evidence of how the research advances the field, addresses complex challenges, and upholds the highest standards of data integrity and robustness.  
  
  
• Demonstrates an awareness of and potential solutions to delivering actionable research.
  
  
• Demonstrates the value that good quality can make to decision making and outcomes such as policy determination, delivery or cost reduction. 
  
  
• Advances the reputation of their organisation, client and sector more broadly via the research delivered. 

Please refer to research either in the year preceding the award or as recognition of a lifetime contribution.