The award honours the legacy of Worcester, founder of Market and Opinion Research International (MORI), which was later acquired by Ipsos.

Created to celebrate individuals whose work has had a sustained impact on policy, professional practice or wider society, the award reflects Worcester’s commitment to quality, integrity and the effective use of evidence.

Duffy has been recognised for a career that has ‘helped shape national conversations, strengthen public understanding of research and raise standards’.

He is the author of The Perils of Perception and Generations, and is a regular contributor to the media and the research profession, including long-standing engagement with MRS on issues affecting the sector and service on polling inquiries. He also helps to lead the King’s Parliamentary Interns scheme, which offers PhD and postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to undertake internships supporting peers in the House of Lords.

Jane Frost CBE, chief executive at MRS, said: “Over three decades, Bobby Duffy has consistently shown how robust evidence can improve debate, inform better decision-making and help people understand the social, political and economic forces shaping the world around them.

“That makes him an especially fitting first recipient of this award. Sir Robert Worcester helped establish the standards that continue to define high-quality research and polling, while also proving how evidence can shape popular discourse and deepen knowledge of society.  Bobby carries that legacy forward through his dedication to public understanding, professional practice and the next generation of researchers.”

Kelly Beaver, Ipsos chief executive, UK and Ireland, and chair of the judging panel, said: “Bobby Duffy stood out for his sector-wide impact and his rare ability to communicate what we do in a way that truly brings it to life. He is not only a strong advocate and spokesperson for the profession, but also someone whose example we can actively learn from – I’ve even asked our politics team to watch footage of him so they can keep improving their communication skills.”

Beaver was joined on the judging panel by: Nick Bonney, managing director, Deep Blue Thinking; Christine Hemphill, managing director, Open Inclusion; Ed Dunn, head of population studies, Verian and chair of the Social Research Association; Kully Kaur-Ballagan, director of research and impact at The Royal Foundation; Isla Glaister, editor, data and elections at Sky News; and Neil Wholey, head of insight and evaluation, government communications, Cabinet Office.

The award will be presented at the MRS Honorary Fellowships Lunch 2026 in London today ( 15^th July).

Last week, MRS announced the 16 Honorary Fellowships to be awarded for this year.