The Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) has published a progress update on the UK government’s plans for a National Data Library and announced five new “kickstarter” projects designed to put data to work to improve lives.
DARE UK welcomes this update and the momentum it signals towards delivering a long-term national capability that can strengthen sensitive data research across the UK. The progress update reflects growing clarity around ambition, governance and early priorities, and marks an important step in turning vision into practice.
We are pleased to have supported the evidence-gathering phase that has helped inform this work, including through our submission to the Wellcome–ESRC National Data Library technical white paper challenge. Alongside other engagement activities, this contribution sought to reflect the needs and priorities of the sensitive data research community and to highlight what is required to enable safe, trusted and effective use of public sector data at scale for public benefit. We look forward to collaborating with DSIT and partners to help ensure the National Data Library delivers real and lasting value.
The announcement of five kickstarter projects is particularly encouraging and provides a valuable opportunity to test approaches, learn quickly and demonstrate impact. Their focus on improving data access and linkage speaks directly to one of the most persistent challenges facing researchers today. If sensitive data research is to realise its full social and economic potential — some of which we highlighted in our recent scientific use cases work — researchers need to be able to undertake complex, cross-domain research at a national scale, while maintaining strong safeguards and public trust.
The progress update highlights the Health Data Research Service (HDRS) as a priority data access initiative. As we set out in our recent long-read on the HDRS, it will be crucial to keep federation front and centre as a foundational principle for the National Data Library. Connecting what already works, and making it work better together, offers a pragmatic and trusted route to scale — one that supports secure access, respects existing expertise, and maximises public benefit.
DARE UK remains committed to supporting collaboration across government, academia, industry and the public to ensure the National Data Library is built on strong foundations of trust, transparency, and public benefit.
Have your say
As plans for the National Data Library continue to develop, ongoing engagement with those who steward, access and use public sector data will be essential. DSIT has launched a survey seeking views on opportunities for public sector data, and DARE UK strongly encourages organisations and individuals across the public sector and research community to take part.
Your insights will help shape how data is accessed, linked and used responsibly in the years ahead.