Call for Sprint Exemplar Project bids to inform design of UK digital research environments

*Please note: the deadline for this opportunity has now passed. Successful projects will be announced in due course.

As part of Phase 1 of the UK trusted and connected Data and Analytics Research Environments programme (DARE UK), we are running a programme of Sprint Exemplar Projects to uncover and test early thinking in the development of a national, federated network of trusted research environments (TREs).

A series of projects will develop potential use cases and technical proof of concepts, and will explore the governance, ethical and public engagement and involvement aspects of developing the next generation of digital research infrastructure based on trustworthiness, security, and interoperability.

• Up to £400,000 funding available per project
• Funding duration of 8 months from January 2021 to August 2022
• The funding call will support up to 10 Sprint Exemplar Projects

Applications are invited in three broad areas:

1. Driver use cases which are based on real-example scientific problems, or the lessons learnt from programmes and projects previously funded.
2. Technology demonstrators that improve data discovery, metadata management, and API development for: federated analytics; data visualization; automation of trusted research environment (TRE) ‘Five Safe’ processes; and the development and use of privacy enhancing technologies.
3. Establishing best practice for information governance, ethics, standards, training and career development, and public involvement to enable the secure use of sensitive data in research.

Further details on the requirements for the Sprint Exemplar Projects, including what we’re looking for, eligibility, and how to apply are available on the UKRI website.

If you missed it, you can watch a recording of the call launch webinar. You can also view the Sprint Exemplar Projects FAQ document if you have any questions.

The closing date for applications is 09:00 on 11 November 2021.