We’re the UK’s national programme for smart data research. Our mission is to unlock the power of data to improve lives.
Smart data is made whenever we engage with the digital world. When we buy something, ‘like’ something, or get directions.
If used for scientific research, smart data can change our world. It can help us to understand important social challenges, from disease prevention to climate change.
Smart Data Research UK brings together companies and researchers to unlock the power of smart data for research.
We provide researchers with safe access to help address broader social, economic and environmental challenges.
Smart Data Research UK prioritises public involvement, transparency, ethics and responsibility.
Smart data can help us understand what drives growth and innovation. It helps us plan infrastructure for different communities across the UK and tackle inequalities. The advent of smart data sources provides a unique opportunity to study the factors that influence productivity and prosperity. These sources include professional social networks, transaction records and remote sensing.
Smart data can provide insights to improve population health and tackle inequalities. It can help us understand the drivers of the mental health crisis, and how we might live longer, healthier lives. Data sources might include financial transactions, loyalty cards, social media and wearable devices. Using the data, we can better understand the links between health, wellbeing, behaviours, circumstances and places.
Smart data can provide insights about online safety, misinformation, the digital divide and the future of work. The digital society research theme encompasses studying data from social media, search queries and online activity is vital for understanding the challenges and opportunities of advancing technology.
Smart data can help tackle issues such as decarbonisation, green growth and the transition to a sustainable future. Data generated through our use of devices and the data gathered by sensors have huge potential to support research related to environmental sustainability, one of our four research themes.
Event
Join Imago, the Imagery Data Service, for a workshop exploring how satellite data can support wellbeing and prosperity in the UK.
Training
Discover more about the CDRC Masters Dissertation Scheme 2025, an opportunity for students across the UK.
Blog
Smart Data Research UK's director, Joe Cuddeford, reflects on the Government's AI Opportunities Action Plan.
Blog
At the ESRC regional showcase, Sam McGregor introduces our new family of data services.