A long-running public sector data scheme has received a £168m funding boost via UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Administrative Data Research (ADR) UK is a project that first launched in 2018 with the goal of using data to gain insights on a wide range of policy topics from the cost of living to cancer diagnostic research.
Among the results from the scheme’s work is the securing of pay rises for workers based on data-led insights and the development of a deeper understanding of reoffending patterns within the justice system.
The seven-year-old programme will be extended thanks to the new investment.
“Data is absolutely vital when making key policy decisions to help transform lives for the better, and the Administrative Data Research UK partnership has shown that in practice, from helping to secure pay rises for millions, smashing the glass ceiling for underrepresented groups and cracking down on crime that blights our streets,” said Tech Secretary Peter Kyle.
In the next investment phase, ADR UK will be supporting research in the health sector through the Cancer Data Driven Detection programme in partnership with Cancer Research UK.
ADR UK is a programme hosted by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
“Our £168m investment in ADR UK is a sign of UKRI’s commitment to harnessing data to drive economic growth, better public services, and outstanding research,” said Stian Westlake, executive chair of ESRC.
“Linking government social, economic and health data in a secure manner that preserves citizens’ privacy is a powerful driver of better research and better public policy, and a vital resource for the scientists and researchers in the UK and beyond.”