Award program recognizes emerging insights professionals and provides comprehensive certificate course
05 March 2025 – [West Dover VT] – Market Research Institute International (MRII) has announced Rodriguez Ajabu as the recipient of the 2025 Reg Baker Career Advancement Award. Sponsored by Escalent, a leading research, data analytics, and advisory firm, this award honors the legacy of Reg Baker, a passionate advocate for the market research profession and lifelong learning. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate strong career aspirations and a commitment to volunteerism in the industry.
“Congratulations, Rodriguez, on winning the Reg Baker Career Advancement Award! Escalent is incredibly excited for all you will learn through MRII’s certificate course and for the career opportunities that await you,” said Melissa Sauter, CEO, Escalent. “Reg was a lifelong learner and ardent advocate for market research; it’s impossible to overstate the positive, lasting impact he had on the industry. Supporting this scholarship was the perfect way to honor his legacy. Good luck and enjoy!”
As the award winner, Rodriguez received full enrollment in MRII and the University of Georgia’s Principles of Market Research certificate course. This course helps both new and experienced market research practitioners understand the full process of research from beginning to end. This online course is completed through self-paced study and covers the 13 topics of the Market Research Core Body of Knowledge (MRCBOK™) equipping professionals with critical skills for the evolving insights industry.
Rodriguez, based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, began his career in telecommunications before transitioning into market research at TARGET SARL. His experience spans data processing, survey supervision, and training initiatives, particularly in supporting community media organizations. With aspirations of becoming an international research consultant, he aims to leverage insights for both commercial enterprises and humanitarian organizations across Africa.
“The Reg Baker Career Advancement Award is especially meaningful to me because it reflects Reg’s passion for education, mentorship, and elevating the research profession,” said Ed Keller, executive director of MRII. “Reg was a giant in our industry and a friend to many. With his passing last year, this award carries even greater significance in honoring his legacy. Rodriguez’s dedication to learning and giving back to the industry makes him a truly deserving recipient.”
Applications for the next MRII Reg Baker Career Advancement Award will open in late 2025.
For more information about MRII and the Principles of Market Research course, visit mrii.org.
About Market Research Institute International
The Market Research Institute International (MRII) is a nonprofit institute dedicated to advancing leadership, practice and industry knowledge in market research and insights worldwide. The organization provides a wide range of valuable and accessible resources covering core knowledge, best practices and industry trends to enhance the expertise of insights professionals and anyone looking to better understand practice of market research. Its market-leading online educational courses, offered in partnership with the University of Georgia, are authored by leading research and insights practitioners, continually updated, and endorsed by major national and international professional and industry organizations. To learn more, subscribe to the MRII Insights and Innovators Podcast, follow the MRII YouTube channel, or visit www.mrii.org
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Media Contact: Ed Keller, Executive Director of MRII, ed@mrii.org
