QSR International CEO John Owen said NVivo 8 was a strong contender for the title.

“The MRS / ASC Award for Technology Effectiveness has been acknowledging innovative industry leaders and their contribution to research since 2003. We designed NVivo specifically for qualitative research and today it’s used by every major university in Europe, North America and Australasia, as well as by government and commercial organizations, including the UK Policy Studies Institute, global law firm CMS Cameron McKenna, and Loughborough University spin-off company Progressive Sports Technologies.

“We are thrilled to have NVivo recognized in this way,” said Mr Owen.

The award will be judged by a panel of industry experts, with the winner announced in December 2009.