The Australian Data and Insights Association (ADIA) and The Research Society (TRS) are proposing to merge the nation’s research, data and insights industry bodies into a single new entity.
Both organisations believe the time is right to deliver a unified, stronger industry voice and are now calling on members to support the merger to create a new entity that ensures broader representation and a thriving future for the industry.
The new entity will represent and promote Australian research, data and insights organisations, professionals and users of market and social research, insights and data analytics.
Under the proposal, the new organisation, set to formally commence from 1 July next year, would create a single association for the Australian research, data and insights industry, with broader benefits and services for members, along with growth opportunities across the industry.
ADIA president, Josephine Foti, said: “With rapid advancements in AI and other technology, and the challenging economic environment, there has never been a more critical moment to deliver a single, stronger industry voice for our members.
“By merging the ADIA and TRS, we’re able to create a single, unified association, giving our industry more weight, more resources and one clear voice – at exactly the time our sector needs it most.
“This proposed merger is about future readiness and financial resilience creating a bigger, better-equipped body to lead the industry through rapid change, rather than react to it, and making us more sustainable long term. We want to create an organisation that continues to drive the industry forward by engaging and equipping the research community and its evidence-based professionals with the capacity and knowledge to deliver the highest standards of research practice.”
The Research Society president, Ellen Baron, said: “The Australian market and social research and insights industry has been effectively served by both the ADIA and TRS. Both organisations have supported their respective constituencies well and have provided a full suite of services for their members.
“This merger presents an opportunity for TRS and ADIA members to become part of a new, larger and stronger entity for our industry. Our vision is to create a combined association that is innovative, collaborative and adopts high standards of ethics, quality and professional development, while continuing to provide the very best member services. We believe the future is bright for our industry, and we hope our members join us in voting for the merger.”
The ADIA and TRS have separately represented Australia’s research, data and insights industry for more than three decades. TRS has long been the peak professional association for research consultants and practitioners, administering the industry Code of Professional Behaviour and professional accreditation schemes including the Qualified Professional Researcher (QPR). The ADIA has been the national industry peak body for data, insights and research organisations, managing the industry Trust Mark seal, quality ISO standards and administering the Privacy Code. The Code of Professional Behaviour, QPR accreditation, Privacy Code, ISO quality standards and the Trust Mark will continue to underpin member services.
The new organisation will focus on providing guidance, support, education and member services, while also establishing and promoting industry standards, facilitating knowledge sharing, driving innovation and business development opportunities, and advising, representing and advocating for the industry.
The ADIA and TRS have been exploring a potential merger since late last year, establishing a new organisational committee to undertake independent consultation, detailed financial analysis, international research and due diligence.
In June, both the ADIA and TRS boards met and unanimously endorsed a proposed merger model, including a new constitution to set out the future entity’s purpose, along with membership categories, board structure and voting rights.
Online member voting on the proposal will take place from October 5 to 16, with the outcome to be formally announced at the respective organisations’ AGMs on November 18. Feedback is also invited from members of both organisations.
Membership to the new organisation would be available to all individuals, companies and client organisations with an interest in market and social research.
