Call for Contributions: &more Conference 2026

Are you pushing boundaries in market or social research, insight or analytics? Got bold ideas, fresh thinking or a story that could spark inspiration? We want to hear from you.

The MRS &more Conference is back for its eighth year - a unique event created by and for the rising stars of research. Designed for researchers under 30 and those new to the industry (with fewer than 5 years’ experience), this online conference is a space to share your work, challenge the status quo, and be part of wider conversations across the sector.

We’re now inviting submissions for this year’s programme. Whether you've run a standout project, explored a new methodology, or have thoughts on where the industry is headed we want your voice in the mix.

This year, we’re particularly interested in ideas that explore topics such as:

• How AI is being applied in research and how we ensure transparency, quality and trust in its outputs
• The role of synthetic data and simulated respondents and the opportunity vs risk
• Blending human expertise with AI tools; what does “researcher + machine” really look like in practice?
• Moving from one-off studies to always-on insight ecosystems
• Tackling data quality challenges, including fraud, disengaged respondents and unreliable data
• Working with new and unstructured data sources (e.g. social, behavioural and text data)
• Balancing speed and rigour in an era of real-time insight
• Privacy-first research and ethical considerations in a data-driven world
• Proving the impact and value of insight within organisations
• The future skills researchers need and how early-career professionals can shape the next era of the industry

These are just examples, we welcome submissions on any topic relevant to the research, insight and analytics sector.

What you can pitch

We’re looking for sessions that will energise, inspire, and get people talking. You could propose:

• Case Study (30 mins)
  Share research from the past year where new approaches made a difference whether through innovation, impact or unexpected outcomes.
• No Slides Panel (30 mins)
  A lively panel discussion on a big methodological or strategic theme. No PowerPoint allowed!
• Showcase (30 mins)
  Offer practical tips for career development or explore how the next generation can shape the future of the research industry.
• In Conversation With... (30 mins)
  A candid interview session between client and agency, highlighting collaboration and creative thinking in action.

Who can apply?

You don’t need to be an &more member to submit, and we welcome ideas from across the industry. That said, our audience will be early-career researchers, so sessions should speak to their experience and ambitions.

With limited slots available, preference will be given to:

• Young researchers or &more members
• Fresh or recently completed work
• Submissions featuring innovative or experimental techniques

Let’s shape the future of research - together.

How to submit

Send a short proposal (around 200 words) outlining your idea to
melissa.coghlan@mrs.org.uk

Submission deadline: Tuesday 21 July 2026

The &more Conference 2026 will be held online on Thursday 22 October.