Survey Futures Early Career Impact Awards

Survey Futures is a UKRI-ESRC funded research programme that aims to deliver a step change in approaches to collecting population survey data in the UK. As part of this project, the Survey Futures Early Career Impact Award has been launched to celebrate early career researchers and recognise the extraordinary talent, passion and contributions of those working in the UK survey sector today.

Winners of these awards will receive year-long mentoring and opportunities to further support their career via free training and professional recognition.

There will be six award winners and they will be invited to a special event, hosted by the Royal Statistical Society, in London held on Thursday 17 October 2024 from 13.30 to 17:00. There they will present their work in front of an audience of colleagues working in survey research, providing an excellent opportunity to build their personal network for the future. 

There will also be opening and closing talks given by Professor Peter Lynn, Director of Survey Futures (University of Essex) and Professor Alison Park Deputy Executive Chair of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). A drinks reception will be provided at the end of the event.

Call for nominations – do you know a deserving early career researcher?
Nominations cannot be self-submitted and 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.

The judging criteria are:
• 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 should be included in the submission.
• Nominations that showcase original and innovative methods, as well as those that highlight the impact of the research will also be welcomed.

The judging panel are: 

• 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 University)
• Tom Huskinson (Ipsos)
• Peter Lynn (University of Essex and Survey Futures)
• Gerry Nicolaas (National Centre for Social Research)
• Laura Wilson (Office for National Statistics)

Nominees must be:

• Based in the UK (note, Survey Futures is a UK centric programme) 
• Within their first 7 years working in employment  within survey research
• Working on survey design, survey delivery, survey methods

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. 

Complete the online application form by the deadline of midnight on Friday 23 August 2024.

If you have any queries about the award or how to apply, then please contact rssevents@rss.org.uk.