Research powered by data
The Data for Research and Development Programme is driving secure, transparent and ethical use of NHS health data to improve care and save lives.
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Data is critical for the NHS to improve patient care. We are investing £175million in the Data for Research and Development Programme to transform how we use health data.
The programme is enabling transformative research to improve patient outcomes and driving a major shift from data sharing to a data access model, increasing data security, privacy, and transparency. This page shows the impact of the programme and the services it supports.
Our services
Supporting the research lifecycle
We are supporting the entire research life cycle, supporting effective research that benefits patients.
Applying to access data
Researchers and organisations must meet stringent governance and security standards before they can apply for access to NHS data.
If you would like to access data for research through an SDE, you can find more information about the data available, as well as platform and platform services, on the SDE profile pages. Alternatively, you can look at information about the SDE data, including indicative datasets, published on the Health Data Research Gateway; use the 'Data Custodian' filter in the left-hand column and then enter the text 'SDE' to bring up the full list.
To apply to access data, please contact the SDE you would like to work with using the contact details on their profile page and they will support you through the process.
How we are listening to the public
We are committed to building public understanding and trust through transparent communications and involving the public in decisions about how health data is used.
Watch the NHS Research Secure Data Environment network: powering world leading research video.
News, case studies, blogs and videos
Our experts explain how we are using data to drive research and improve NHS and care services.
How NHS England Secure Data Environment is accelerating healthcare research
Read how the NHS England Secure Data Environment is powering life-saving research and treatments.
Collaborating for the future of health data
Hilary Fanning, SRO for the NHS England Data for Research and Development Programme, describes how we are transforming data use to drive innovation.
Research, powered by NHS data
Rebecca Cosgriff, programme director for the Data for Research and Development Programme, describes some of the progress to date and describes the focus for the future.
Data access by default
The Data Saves Lives strategy confirmed that the Department of Health and Social Care is committed towards data access as default, increasing data security, privacy and transparency.
The transition to a system of data access is being facilitated by significant investment from the Data for Research and Development Programme and the establishment of the NHS Research Secure Data Environment Network.
This strategy shows how we will use data to bring benefits to all parts of health and social care – from patients and care users to staff on the frontline and pioneers driving the most cutting-edge research.
Update setting out decisions around data access policy, which is shaping the implementation of Secure Data Environments for secondary uses of NHS data.
These guidelines set out clear rules for how secure data environments will be used to access NHS health and social care data for research and analysis.
Feedback
The Data for Research and Development Programme is a new investment by NHS England. Give us your feedback to help improve these web pages.
Further information
The 'Bring Your Own' services allow you to seamlessly integrate your existing resources into Secure Data Environments (SDEs) for research.
The AAC supports all types of innovations: medicines, diagnostics, devices, digital products, pathway changes and new workforce models.
Final report of the independent review of UK commercial clinical trials, and government response.
Last edited: 29 August 2025 9:54 am