New Group to Champion Ethnic Diversity in MR

Nine researchers with 'various ethnic backgrounds and industry experience' have joined forces to launch Colour of Research (CORe), a non-profit organisation that will champion ethnic diversity in the MR and insights industry.

Co-founders Melissa Gonsalves, Theo Francis, Natalie Samuel, Graham Idehen, Charlene Adamah, Bob Qureshi, Tatenda Musesengwa, Sia Najumi and Tariq Mirza say the new group is 'built on the noticeable need for wide ethnic representation across market research companies, management boards and major industry events and conferences'. Launched today (Monday) CORe will use events, mentorship, training and networking, delivered through fundraising and corporate donation, to further its cause.

Samuel, a Senior Project Manager at Ipsos MORI, says the group's first major initiative is the creation of the 'Each one teach one' Mentorship Programme, which will pair 'up and coming' mentees at various levels in their career with ethnically diverse industry leaders, in pursuit of specific career goals.

Francis, who is the Owner and MD of newly-formed Guinea Pig Fieldwork, comments: 'The programme also provides an avenue for ethnically diverse individuals to connect with other professionals facing similar challenges in the industry. It's been overwhelming to see market research firms including Opinium, Lucid & Cint offering their immediate support of the initiative along with the Market Research Society, Insights Association, Association of Qualitative Research & The Research Club wanting to support CORe'.

The official launch party will take place virtually on 29th July 2020 at 19:00 BST, and differentology Director Gonsalves says it will be streamed live globally to all who wish to attend. She adds: 'The event is completely free to join and welcomes everyone involved in market research industry, from every background and ethnicity, we encourage all market research professionals, press & media and all who wish to support CORe to join us'.

To attend the launch event / find out more visit the organisation's web site at www.colourofresearch.org. or email team@colourofresearch.org .