1. What is the biggest challenge you have faced during your career?

One of the biggest challenges I have faced has been building BEAM Fieldwork and growing it in a way that stays true to the standards and values that matter most to me. Fieldwork can often look straightforward from the outside, but in reality, it involves constant problem-solving, relationship management, attention to detail and the ability to keep moving when briefs change or pressures build.

For me, the challenge has not just been building a business but building one that people genuinely trust. I have always wanted BEAM to be known for being reliable, honest, responsive and easy to work with. That has meant learning how to balance commercial pressures with high standards, and how to keep clients and participants feeling supported even in difficult moments. It has been demanding, but I am incredibly proud of what I have built and the reputation BEAM has earned.

2. What will be the next big trend or development in the research industry, and why?

I believe the next big development in the research industry will be the wider use of AI and automation to support delivery and improve efficiency. There is real opportunity in using technology to speed up admin, simplify processes and help research teams work smarter, especially in areas where time and resources are under pressure.

That said, I do not think technology will replace the human side of research – if anything, it will make it more important. My experience through BEAM has shown me that great outcomes depend on judgement, communication, trust and understanding people properly. Recruitment, fieldwork and project delivery all work best when they are handled with care. The future, in my view, is not about choosing between technology and people, but about using both well to deliver better, more thoughtful research.

3. Who inspires you as a researcher?

I am most inspired by the people in this industry who work hard behind the scenes to make research happen and who do it with real care and professionalism. Through my journey with BEAM, I have seen how much impact comes from people who are dependable, thoughtful and committed to doing things properly, even when the work is pressured or complex.

I am especially inspired by those who combine high standards with empathy – people who care about participants, respect the client’s objectives and understand the importance of getting the detail right. In many ways, that is what has shaped how I have built BEAM. I have always believed that good research depends not just on insight, but on the people who make that insight possible.

• The full MRS Research Heroes list for 2026 can be found here.