MRS names Research Heroes 2024

The list includes 16 awards, with individuals working in both client-side and supplier-side roles in market research, spanning various functions, from account management to fieldwork to leadership positions.

Jane Frost, chief executive at MRS, said: “None of us say thank you often enough. Research Heroes gives the spotlight to people who deserve a thank you, but whose contributions may have gone unsung up until now.

“A big thank you and huge congratulations to all the winners, and a personal thank you to all the judges as well.”

The 2024 Research Heroes are:

Zoe Alabaster, IFF Research

Gemma-Louise Austin, Tesco

Chloe Byrne, Vanson Bourne

Anika Gangal, Entropik Technologies

Janice Lai, Behaviorally

Tilly Lewis, Boxclever

Renee Love, mTab

Michael Mayers, M&E research

Angela Orme, Swift Research

Sarah Phillis, Tapestry Research

Shona Pickersgill, Superdrug

Cathia Randrianarivo, The Unmistakables

Gemma Shevlin, Acumen Field

Gill Stewart, IFF Research

Geraldine Trufil, Split Second Research

Elizabeth Vourdas, Ofgem

About the scheme

To be considered for the Research Hero accolade, nominees must work in research, insight or analytics (including support and operations) and have done one or more of the following:

• Contributed during 2023/24 to make a difference in research, or to support colleagues and co-workers or the community 
• Given consistent service to the sector for which they cannot be recognised with a professional award, e.g. a fellowship
• Forwarded the cause of research, or issues such as quality, diversity and sustainability. 

This year’s judges were: Georgie White, Hayley Ward, Nick Meagher, Shazia Ali, Clare Woodward, Gemma Bumpsteed and Jane Frost.

Find out more about the Research Heroes scheme and how it is judged.