Over to the judges! Record nominations for the 2026 Global 30 Under 30
Nominations have officially closed for the sixth annual Significant Insights Global 30 Under 30, with a record number of nominations from 14 countries around the world. Now, the search for the next generation of global insight leaders is in the hands of 30 senior industry judges from 16 countries.
From rising stars in market research and consumer insights to emerging leaders in data, analytics, strategy and behavioural science, this year’s nominations celebrate the extraordinary talent, ambition and creativity shaping the future of our global profession.
The Global 30 Under 30 was created with a simple ambition: to recognise exceptional young talent, celebrate their achievements and help make insights a destination career for the brightest minds, wherever they come from.
Now in its sixth year, the initiative continues to grow, bringing together an international community committed to championing the next generation and showcasing the remarkable people already making a difference across our industry.
Over to our 30 global judges
The next stage is in the hands of an outstanding international judging panel, bringing together 30 senior leaders from client-side insight teams, research agencies and professional associations around the world.
Representing some of the most influential organisations and voices in our profession, the judges will review this year’s nominations and help identify the 30 exceptional individuals who will make the 2026 list.
As Jane Frost CBE, CEO of the Market Research Society, said of the initiative: “It’s such a privilege to be able to find out about the researchers who are the future of our sector. Shining a light on all this talent is a great way to highlight what a fantastic future we can have with these stars in it.“
And Anita Watkins, CEO of the Insights Association: “I’m delighted to be joining the judging panel for the Global 30 Under 30 this year. Initiatives like this are so important because they shine a light on the exceptional talent emerging across our profession and help advocate for the next generation of insights leaders. By recognising their achievements early, we not only celebrate their impact today, but also help inspire the future growth, innovation and strength of our industry for years to come.”
This year’s panel brings together leaders from across the globe, reflecting the international reach and diversity of the industry we are celebrating.
Over to the judges:
Celebrating the future of insights
The Global 30 Under 30 is about more than recognising individual achievement. It is about demonstrating the extraordinary opportunities our industry offers and inspiring the next generation to build their careers in research, data, analytics and insights. This year’s record response is a powerful reminder of the talent coming through our profession and the importance of giving emerging leaders an international platform on which to shine.
A huge thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination, to the colleagues and leaders who took the time to champion their rising stars, and to our international judging panel for giving their time and expertise to this year’s programme.
We are also enormously grateful to our 12 supporting organisations, led by Headline Supporter Rigour Research, whose commitment helps us continue to grow the initiative and celebrate exceptional talent across the world.
Cornelius Barry, MD of Headline Supporter Rigour Research: “We are delighted to partner with Significant Insights. In doing so we contribute to ensuring that the industry is an accessible, inclusive and welcoming place for researchers of all backgrounds to grow and share their unique experiences and knowledge for the benefit of the industry as a whole.”
Jim Whaley, CEO of Ovation and North American Board Member of Significant Insights: “As a long-term supporter of Significant Insights, I’m proud to be part of recognising the outstanding talent shaping the future of our industry. The Global 30 Under 30 is a powerful reminder of the creativity, curiosity and leadership coming through the next generation, and I’m delighted to help celebrate those making such an exciting impact.”
Save the date: 27 November 2026
The 2026 Significant Insights Global 30 Under 30 will be officially revealed on Friday, 27 November. Thirty exceptional individuals. One global celebration of the future of insights.
Good luck to all our nominees. We can’t wait to introduce the class of 2026!