Best Innovation Award

Who should apply?
Anyone working in the market research arena who can demonstrate that real innovation in their work, working practice or methodology during the 12 months running up to 01 July 2010.

What will the judges be looking for?
Depending on the nature of the submission (individual or company, product, process, technique or service) the judges will consider the following when judging entries:

• innovation and creative thinking – why is what you have done innovative? How does it differ from anything that has gone before?
• establishment of a new product, process or technique (or development of an existing one) which extends the limits of current thinking or the way that we work.
• creation of a new business unit, product, process or service which looks beyond traditional research boundaries.
• work or activity from an individual or organisation that has prompted an industry step change.
• bottom-line results based on this innovation.
• an indication of the impact that the breakthrough will have and how it is set to challenge and change the industry in the future.

How to apply
A valid entry will comprise:

• one copy of the submission document
• one copy of the entry form
• a high resolution copy of your company logo (in .jpg format)

Entries should be sent to researchawards@mrs.org.uk by 5pm on Wednesday 27 July 2011.

Submission format
Basis of submission: 500 word (max) statement supporting your case plus specific additional information.
The key is the innovation itself – how it was achieved, the challenges it meets and the potential impact that it could have on the future direction of the research industry.

In addition to your statement:

Entries from individuals: you may also include up to three short ( 100 words max) anecdotes from clients or senior manager to support your case.

Entries from a company/organisation: in addition to your statement you must specifiy:

• date of incorporation (in the case of a business entry)
• numbers employed (split between executive and support staff)
• fees and profit data for the last two years (where possible)

Only electronic applications in the required format will be considered for this award.

• Download and complete the MS Word submission document and entry forms – these two forms will constitute your award application.
• Your submission will be judged on the merits of the submission document alone – no appendices or additional material will be considered.
• You must send a high resolution version of your company logo, or two logos if the project is an agency/client partnership, in print quality jpg format (about 300dpi) to be used for publicity purposes if your entry is shortlisted for an award.
• The submission document, entry form and company logo should be sent as attachments to the same email with the subject line Best Innovation Award Entry 2011.

Rules of entry – Best Innovation 2011

• The ‘innovation’ must have been made in the 12 months up to 01 July 2011.
• You must nominate a primary contact on your Entry Form who will take overall responsibility for the entry.
• The primary contact must ensure that permission to enter the Awards is obtained from all parties involved including any clients or suppliers.
• Entries must not overtly ‘sell’ any organisation. Company logos are acceptable.
• The judges’ decisions are final. The Panel will not enter into correspondence about why an entry is not selected as a finalist.
• All submission materials will remain confidential to the Judging Panels and MRS during the judging process. We may subsequently wish to publish information based on the materials provided but specific permission to publish will always be sought from the entrants.
• Entries must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 27 July 2010 to qualify. No extensions will be granted.

There is an entry fee for this award. You will be invoiced once your entry has been processed. Failure to pay by 01 September 2011 will cancel your application.

One ticket to the Research Awards Dinner in December will be allocated per shortlisted entry. Additional tickets can be purchased nearer the time at the standard advertised price.