Esomar Events Papers Awards
Each year, Esomar honours the most outstanding papers presented across our global events. From event-level recognition to our highest annual distinction, these awards celebrate research that advances thinking, drives impact, and elevates standards across the insights ecosystem.
Esomar Best Paper of the Year
The highest distinction in Esomar thought leadership.
The Best Paper of the Year Award recognises the single most outstanding paper presented across all Esomar events within the Esomar year (September to September).
Selected from the Event Best Paper winners, this award represents the pinnacle of professional recognition, honouring work that not only meets the highest standards of research excellence, but moves the profession forward.
The winner is announced at the Esomar Congress, our global flagship gathering of insight leaders.
Judging Criteria
The Jury assesses papers based on:
- Contribution to excellence and best practice in research
- Groundbreaking innovation and originality
- Demonstrated or potential impact on business and society
- Clarity on how and when findings can be effectively applied
- Cross-cultural and cross-sector relevance
- Depth and authenticity of customer and consumer understanding
- Robust scientific, statistical and analytical foundations
- Contribution to strengthening and promoting the profession globally
Previous Winners Best Paper of the Year
Esomar Event Best Paper Award
Excellence at every global stage.
At each major Esomar event APAC, LATAM, Congress and North America — the Programme Committee selects one paper that stands above the rest. The Event Best Paper Award recognises exceptional thinking, methodological rigour, and meaningful business relevance within the context of that event.
Each winner automatically advances to compete for the Esomar Best Paper of the Year, announced at the annual Esomar Congress in September.
Judging Criteria
Awarded papers demonstrate:
- A deep understanding of real business challenges
- Clear contribution to increasing the value of research
- Applicability across cultures, sectors and markets
- Creativity, originality and fresh thinking
- Genuine customer and consumer insight
- Scientific integrity and methodological excellence
- Strong real-world application, supported by concrete examples
- Full alignment with Esomar principles and the ICC/Esomar Code of Conduct
Previous Winners Event Best Paper Award
The Peter Cooper Award for Qualitative Excellence
Celebrating mastery in qualitative insight.
The Peter Cooper Award for Qualitative Excellence honours exceptional papers that advance the art and science of qualitative research.
Named after Peter Cooper, a pioneer in focus groups and projective techniques, this award recognises work that demonstrates depth, innovation and a profound understanding of human behaviour.
Presented annually at the Esomar Congress, it represents one of the most respected distinctions in qualitative research within the global insights community.
The Award Recognises
- Outstanding qualitative research design
- Methodological innovation and advancement
- Deep human insight and interpretive excellence
- Clear and meaningful impact
Previous Winners Best Qualitative Paper
