Pan-UK conversations on smart data begin
6 September 2024
Our public dialogue workshops on smart data research get underway
Smart Data Research UK and the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) public dialogue programme Sciencewise have launched a series of pan-UK conversations on smart data research, with events taking place in Belfast, Newport, Gateshead, Inverness and London.
Smart Data Research UK aims to unlock the power of smart data for research that has social and economic benefit. These new events will involve the public in shaping the future of how data is used for good.
Workshops will take place across the four nations of the UK with a diverse group of participants.
Using the principles of deliberative public engagement, participants will hear evidence, interact with a range of expert contributors, and discuss their views over five workshops.
Speakers include representatives from the worlds of research, government, and industry. Topics will include the notion of ‘research for the public good’, public-private research partnerships, privacy and security.
The first in-person workshops will run on Saturday, 7 September, at venues in London, Inverness, Newport, Belfast and Gateshead.
“Smart data is a valuable national asset. If used for research, it can help us understand and tackle difficult social and economic challenges. Exploring how people think and feel about their data being used for research in this way is vital.
“This first series of workshops is important because we want to engage with people across the UK right from the start of our programme. We’ll use feedback from the public to shape our work, helping ensure smart data is used effectively, safely and in ways that meet public expectations.”
Joe Cuddeford, Director of Smart Data Research UK
“Public dialogue is a fantastic tool for getting an in-depth understanding of the public’s hopes and concerns about complex policy issues. Sciencewise is committed to supporting high-quality, professional good practice dialogue projects and we’re thrilled to be supporting this public dialogue on smart data research’s governance, direction and priorities. By engaging with the public at this early stage in their journey, Smart Data Research UK is ensuring its next steps will be socially informed and evidence-based.”
Tom Saunders, Head of Public Engagement at UKRI
An oversight group comprising experts from a range of fields is supporting these pan-UK conversations on smart data research. Organisations involved include Ofcom, Which?, Citizens Advice, Walgreens Boots Alliance, the Ada Lovelace Institute and others.
Discover more
Learn more about Smart Data Research UK’s public engagement work and for more information on the public dialogue, please get in touch with us at smartdataresearch@ukri.org.