The Market Research Council (MRC), the world’s oldest market research industry body, has announced the winners of its annual Change Maker and Research Ambassador Awards.

The Change Maker Award is nominated and voted on by MRC members to represent the person whom they feel is most deserving of recognition for the degree of positive change that they have brought to the industry and profession, whether over the course of their careers or more recently. This year, the membership has awarded this distinction to Dan Quirk, Co-Founder and VP Marketing and Product Development at Quirk’s Media (pictured at left). Through the creation of a variety of media, from analog to digital and from remote to in-person, Dan has created a huge global communications and ideas forum that is the industry’s marketplace.

The Research Ambassador Award is given for the first time this year and is voted on by the MRC’s Executive Committee. It is designed to recognize individuals who, while they may not be researchers per se, are such major and influential proponents of research that they have propelled the industry and profession forward. MRC’s first Research Ambassador is Vanessa Oshima (pictured at right). A New Zealander based in Tokyo, Vanessa has occupied senior marketing positions in some of the world’s most iconic brands. Throughout her career, she has been a huge proponent of innovation in research and consumer insights, as well as of the industry itself, culminating in two years’ service on ESOMAR Council.

Both winners will receive their awards at an Awards Luncheon and Ceremony to be held on July 21 from 12 noon to 2.00 p.m. at Kantar’s offices at 3 World Trade Center, New York City. All are welcome (members and non-members alike) and can register for the event here.