Green and Gold for Research 2007

The UK's Market Research Society (MRS) has announced that environmental campaigner and commentator Jonathan Porritt will headline its 2007 Golden Jubilee conference.

The keynote speaker reflects what the Society calls 'a major shift in the conference's programming, which will see a strong focus on sustainability, ethical business and climate change.'

Porritt spent six years as Director of the charity and pressure group Friends of the Earth (www.foe.co.uk ) and then moved to co-found and lead the sustainable development charity Forum for the Future (www.forumforthefuture.org.uk ), working with global companies to drive the case for environmentally-friendly business and industry. Since 2000, he has also been chair of the UK advisory body, the Sustainable Development Commision (UK) (www.sd-commission.org.uk ). A writer, broadcaster and commentator, he will close the conference by speaking on the critical role of sustainable development in the future of global business.

Kevin McLean, Chair of the event's Programme Team, comments: 'Market and social research has a central role to play in identifying and responding to the issues of climate change and sustainability that will not only safeguard the future of our planet, but help businesses of all sizes overcome the challenges and make the most of the opportunities presented by environmental insight.'

The programme will focus on 'Research and the real world' but will also include papers on ethical branding and the science of happiness. The event will be carbon neutral – by arrangement with The CarbonNeutral Company and sponsored by Virtual Surveys, the MRS will donate the equivalent of the event's 'carbon footprint' to invest in renewable energy. McLean says the committee hopes the deal will 'encourage delegates from across the business spectrum to think about what measures they can take to make their business practices a little 'greener'.'

Research 2007, the next 50 years will run from 21-23 March 2007 at the Hilton Brighton Metropole. The MRS is online at www.mrs.org.uk .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.