The ASC is delighted to announce the launch of a major new industry initiative: the Research Technologist Hall of Fame. This pioneering programme has been created to recognise, celebrate, and honour the individuals whose contributions to research technology and operations have helped shape the insights industry as we know it today.For decades, our sector has relied on the skill, innovation, and problem-solving of technologists and operational experts. These are the people who build the systems, engineer the tools, keep the data flowing, and continually push the potential of what research technology can achieve. Yet their achievements too often go unrecognised. The Hall of Fame aims to change that.
Each year, a number of outstanding individuals will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in acknowledgement of their exceptional contributions. Some will be long-standing pioneers whose work has had a lasting influence; others may be more recent innovators who have disrupted, modernised, or re-imagined how research is conducted. Inductions will take place twice annually at ASC conferences, ensuring that the industry comes together to celebrate their achievements.
We are also thrilled to announce that Ipsos has agreed to be the founding sponsor of this initiative. Their commitment reflects not only their leadership in research technology, but also their belief in the importance of recognising the people who make technological progress possible. Their support ensures that the Hall of Fame will have the visibility, credibility, and momentum it deserves.
Watch the first Hall of Fame inductions
You can watch the first ASC Research Technologist Hall of Fame inductions here:
First Hall of Fame inductees
The first recipients of the ASC Research Technologist Hall of Fame award were:
- Bjørn Haugland, founder of Confirmit and a pioneer of online research platforms
- Diane Hessan, whose Communispace business transformed the way organisations engage with consumers through online communities
- Jon Puleston, recognised internationally for his contributions to survey methodology and innovation
- Adrian Scamell (Abo), honoured for decades of excellence in data processing and operational expertise
- Steve Jenkins, co-founder of Snap Surveys and a driving force behind industry standards
- Ed Ross, founder of Quantime and one of the most influential pioneers in survey computing
Nominate a Research Technologist
Do you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to research technology or research operations? We would love to hear from you.
To submit a nomination, simply email HOF@asc.org.uk with:
- The nominee’s name
- A short paragraph explaining why you believe they should be considered for induction into the Research Technologist Hall of Fame.
All nominations will be reviewed by our independent judging panel.