Hamish Scott Stevenson and Sam Slamowicz from the Social Research Centre have won the 2025 Australian Research Got Talent award from the Australian Data and Insights Association (ADIA) and ESOMAR.
Their project, Behind the Screens: Understanding Australian Men at Risk of Mis/Disinformation, was developed for the Museum of Sticks & Stones (MoSS). It examines how men engage with mis/disinformation and aims to build media literacy and social resilience.
The Research Got Talent program, now in its sixth year in Australia, challenges young professionals to use research and insights to support charities and NGOs on social issues.
Scott Stevenson and Slamowicz will represent Australia in ESOMAR’s global competition and will present their work at the ADIA Leaders Forum conference in Sydney next year.
Sally Joubert, ADIA member, ESOMAR representative and RGT judge, said: “This is a really important initiative for our industry, and we continue to be impressed by the high standard and breadth of entries. This year was particularly challenging to judge given the record number of entries received and the high level of competition.
“It was also encouraging to see employers from ADIA and ESOMAR organisations supporting their teams and their charities of choice plus the RGT competition more generally. We are delighted that the initiative continues to grow in both commitment and awareness. We found it incredibly difficult to select a winner; however, Hamish and Sam’s entry really stood out.”
Scott Stevenson and Slamowicz said: “We’re very grateful to ADIA for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful initiative, and we’re thrilled to be working alongside the Museum of Sticks & Stones (MoSS) to tackle misinformation susceptibility in Australia.
“A heartfelt thank you to the Social Research Centre, ADIA, and MoSS for all your support and encouragement, and a big thank you to the sponsors for making it possible. We are deeply passionate about this project and hope to demonstrate how our industry can help to address urgent issues and drive positive social change.”
Urusaro Rwagaju, The Museum of Sticks & Stones Creative & Community Lead, said: “This collaboration will be key to our next milestone projects and programming at the Museum of Sticks and Stones, helping us better understand how misinformation and disinformation may impact Australian men, particularly in relation to pressing social issues such as misogyny and digital radicalisation.”
Judges for the 2025 award included representatives from Luma Research, Bright Point Research, QOR, Winton Research & Insights, and past RGT winners. Sponsors of the initiative are Luma Research, Winton Research & Insights, QOR and CRNRSTONE.
Top image: Hamish Scott Stevenson and Sam Slamowicz