Under the proposal, the new organisation would formally commence from 1st July 2027, representing Australian research, data and insights organisations, professionals and users of market and social research, insights and data analytics.

According to a press release issued by the organisations, the move aims to create a ‘unified, stronger industry voice’ for the industry, offering broader benefits and services for members and more growth opportunities.

The ADIA and TRS have been exploring a potential merger since late last year, and established a committee to undertake independent consultation, financial analysis, international research and due diligence.

In June, the boards of the two organisations unanimously endorsed the proposed merger model, including a new constitution to set out the future entity’s purpose, membership categories, board structure and voting rights.

Members of both associations will need to approve the proposed merger for it to go ahead, with online voting set to take place from 5^th-16^th October and the outcome to be formally announced at the respective AGMs on 18^th November.

Both organisations are also inviting members to share their feedback.

The Research Society, formerly the Australian Market and Social Research Society, is the main professional association for research consultants and practitioners, administering the industry Code of Professional Behaviour and professional accreditation schemes including the Qualified Professional Researcher (QPR).

Meanwhile, the Australian Data and Insights Association, formerly the Association of Market and Social Research Organisations (AMSRO), has been the national industry body for data, insights and research organisations, managing the industry Trust Mark seal, quality ISO standards and administering the Privacy Code.

The organisations said the Code of Professional Behaviour, QPR accreditation, Privacy Code, ISO quality standards and the Trust Mark would continue to underpin member services.

They said the new merged organisation would focus on: providing guidance, support, education and member services; establishing and promoting industry standards; facilitating knowledge sharing; driving innovation and business development opportunities; and advising, representing and advocating for the industry.

Josephine Foti, president, the Australian Data and Insights Association, said: “With rapid advancements in AI and other technology, and the challenging economic environment, there has never been a more critical moment to deliver a single, stronger industry voice for our members.

“By merging the ADIA and TRS, we’re able to create a single, unified association, giving our industry more weight, more resources and one clear voice, at exactly the time our sector needs it most.

“This proposed merger is about future readiness and financial resilience creating a bigger, better equipped body to lead the industry through rapid change, rather than react to it, and making us more sustainable long term. We want to create an organisation that continues to drive the industry forward by engaging and equipping the research community and its evidence-based professionals with the capacity and knowledge to deliver the highest standards of research practice.”

Ellen Baron, president, The Research Society, said: “The Australian market and social research and insights industry has been effectively served by both the ADIA and TRS. Both organisations have supported their respective constituencies well and have provided a full suite of services for their members.

“This merger presents an opportunity for TRS and ADIA members to become part of a new, larger and stronger entity for our industry. Our vision is to create a combined association that is innovative, collaborative and adopts high standards of ethics, quality and professional development, while continuing to provide the very best member services. We believe the future is bright for our industry, and we hope our members join us in voting for the merger.”