The #MRSpride initiative was launched earlier this year to provide a platform for LGBTQ+ consumer insight and methodological best practice and bring together community members.

Following its support of the inaugural event in May, YouGov will support the network’s activities throughout 2020.

The next #MRSpride event will take place on 24 October at UM’s London offices, with speakers including Michael Brunt, publisher and chief operating officer at The Economist; Dominic Edwardes, executive director of digital and communications at Terrence Higgins Trust; and Michelle Fan, senior strategist, semiotics at Flamingo.

Jane Frost, chief executive of MRS, said: "The launch of #MRSpride this year has been a key member-led initiative and the response from the LGBTQ+ research community and allies has been overwhelmingly positive.

"YouGov is a great fit for supporting #MRSpride, and with six million participants in its global online community I’m particularly pleased to see its commitment to making a sector that provides insight and evidence representative of the world it serves."

Speakers from Stonewall, Pride in London and PrideAM took part in the first #MRSpride event.

Michael Brown, founding chair of #MRSpride and partner, insight and cross-culture at UM, said: "Our vision is to celebrate best practice LGBTQ+ insight and thought leadership, to inspire junior talent and to promote a deeper knowledge of LGBTQ+ people. We want #MRSpride to become the go-to platform in society for understanding our community. YouGov’s generous commitment will elevate what we’re capable of."

Stephan Shakespeare, chief executive and founder, YouGov, said: "YouGov is delighted to be the principal sponsor of #MRSpride. Building a relationship of trust and respect with many millions of people is fundamental to our daily work of representing the entire population, and it is also fundamental to our relationships within the professional community as colleagues. We are proud champions of a truly diverse and inclusive talent force and we believe it is a vital driver of success."

Find more information about the next #MRSpride event on 24 October and book your place here.