£54 million funding to transform health through data science

Health Data Research UK is awarding £30 million funding to six sites across the UK to address healthcare issues through use of data science

From April 2018, the six sites will work collaboratively as foundation partners in Health Data Research UK to make game-changing improvements in people’s health by harnessing data science at scale across the UK.

The sites have world-class expertise; a track record in using health data to derive new knowledge, scientific discovery and insight; and works in close partnership with NHS bodies and the public to translate research findings into benefits for patients and populations.

The six sites are:

• Cambridge – Welcome Sanger Institute, European Bioinformatics Institute, University of Cambridge
• London – UCL, Imperial College London, King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
• Midlands – University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, University of Nottingham, University of Warwick, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
• Oxford – University of Oxford
• Scotland – University of Edinburgh, University of Aberdeen, University of Dundee, University of Glasgow, University of St Andrews, University of Strathclyde
• Wales/Northern Ireland – Swansea University, Queen’s University Belfast

The scientific focus of the sites will be on four strategic themes: Actionable Health Data Analytics, Precision Medicine, 21^st Century Trial Design, Modernising Public Health.

Professor Andrew Morris, director of Health Data Research UK, commented: “I am delighted to make today’s announcement, which marks the start of a unique opportunity for scientists, researchers and clinicians to use their collective expertise to transform the health of the population.

“The six HDR UK sites, comprising 22 universities and research institutes, have tremendous individual strengths and will form a solid foundation for our long-term ambition.

“By working together and with NHS and industry partners to the highest ethical standards, our vision is to harness data science on a national scale. This will unleash the potential for data and technologies to drive breakthroughs in medical research, improving the way we are able to prevent, detect and diagnose diseases like cancer, heart disease and asthma.

“I am grateful to our funders who recognise the importance of collaboration at scale, and the pivotal contribution of health data research to the UK’s ambition to be a global leader in life sciences, for health and economic benefit.”

A further £24million will be invested in upcoming activities, including a Future Talent Programme and work to address targeted data research challenges through additional partnership sites.