We are pleased to announce that Survey Futures is running its Early Career Impact Awards for the second time, this year, set to take place on 12 November 2026 in London. This award celebrates the exceptional contributions of early career researchers in the UK survey sector. Up to eight winners of these awards will be offered year-long mentoring and opportunities to further support their career via free training and professional recognition.
Nominees must be:
- Based in the UK
- Within their first 7 years of working in survey research
- Working on survey design, survey delivery, survey methods
Nominations must be submitted by someone else on the individual’s behalf. If you are a tutor, mentor, colleague, manager etc who is working with an exceptional early career researcher in the survey sector, then please consider submitting a nomination.
This year the awards are sponsored by City St George’s, Ipsos, the Market Research Society (MRS), the National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM), the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Royal Statistical Society (RSS), the Social Research Association (SRA), the University of Essex, and Verian.
Judging criteria:
- We are looking for nominations that focus on both the survey research method or technique, and on the enthusiasm, drive and personal development of the nominee.
- Nominations need to be focused on the method and design of surveys, rather than the survey or research findings.
- Evidence of the nominee’s dedication, enthusiasm, perseverance, commitment to quality, and individual development shouldbe included in the submission.
- Nominations that showcase original andinnovative methods, as well as those that highlight the impact of the research will also be welcomed.
The judging panel:
- Tricia Dodd (Royal Statistical Society)
- Ed Dunn (Verian and Chair of the Social Research Association)
- Gabi Durrant (University of Southampton and National Centre for Research Methods)
- Tim Hanson (City St. George’s, University of London)
- Debrah Harding (Market Research Society)
- Tom Huskinson (Ipsos)
- Peter Lynn (University of Essex and Survey Futures)
- Gerry Nicolaas (National Centre for Social Research)
- Laura Wilson (Office for National Statistics)
How do I nominate an early career researcher?
Nominators should get permission from the nominee before submission. In the submission, the nominator should state, in no more than 700 words, why they think the nominee should be considered for the award. Note, this information will be used by the judging panel for selection and read out at the event to introduce the individual on stage.
You can find short bios of the eight winners of the first Survey Futures Early Career Impact Awards here: Survey Futures Early Career Impact Award – Survey Futures
An online application form will be made available on the RSS website in May 2026. This form shouldbe completed and submitted by the deadline of midnight on Thursday 10 September 2026.
The winners and their nominators will be invitedto a special event, hosted by the Royal Statistical Society, in London held on Thursday 12 November 2026 from 13.30 to 17:00. They will present their work in front of an audience of colleagues working in survey research which will be followed by a reception, providing an excellent opportunity to build their personal network for the future.
Winners will be announced approximately one month before the event date.
To book a place to attend this event as an audience member (only), please visit the RSS website from May onwards when the booking system will be live.