We’re inviting organisations across the UK to take part in the latest DARE UK Infrastructure Landscape Review survey – and we want to hear from you.
This is the third landscape review since the start of the DARE UK programme, following previous reviews whose insights were published in October 2021 and October 2023, both of which played a key role in informing the development of a coordinated and trustworthy national network of secure data infrastructures.
If your organisation handles or provides access to sensitive data for research, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of data research infrastructure in the UK. Your input will directly inform how resources are directed, how infrastructures are improved, and how we can collectively support research that serves the public good.
Why take part?
Sensitive data – including information that can identify individuals or confidential business data – underpins much of the UK’s most valuable research. Whether it’s improving public health, informing policy, or driving innovation, this kind of research depends on secure, well-managed infrastructures that people can trust.
We know that the people working directly with this data – across Trusted Research Environments (TREs), public sector bodies, universities, and service providers – have unique insights into what’s working, what’s not, and where improvements are most needed.
By completing the survey, you’ll help us:
- Map the current capabilities across the UK
- Identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities
- Inform future funding and investment decisions
- Contribute to a national picture that benefits the entire research community
Some of the organisations we’ve heard from so far…
- Mental Health Research for Innovation (M-RIC) TRE
- Our Future Health
- NISRA TRE
- Wessex SDE
- London SDE
- Scottish National Safe Haven
- East of England Secure Data Environment
- Thames Valley and Surrey Secure Data Environment
- UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration (UK LLC)
- East of England SDE
- West Midlands Secure Data Environment (WMSDE)
- Bitfount
- MRC Epidemiology Unit Secure Research Computing Platform
- University of Sheffield, Secure Data Services
- Barts Health Data Platform
- Smart Data Research – Geographic Data Service
FAQs
What is sensitive data?
Sensitive data includes data which contains personally identifiable information such as names, addresses and identifying numbers. This can still be sensitive once it has been de-identified (has had all personal identifiable information removed) if there is potential for re-identification, particularly when used with other data. Commercial data such as retail information, business details, IP (intellectual property) and Copyright information or confidential product details may also be considered sensitive data.
Who should take this survey?
Anyone working in an organisation that manages, processes, or provides access to sensitive data for research purposes. We only need one response per organisation, so please check who’s best placed to respond.
How long will it take?
Around 40 minutes – we’ve kept it concise, and your time is greatly appreciated.
Am I the right person to respond?
If you’re involved in handling, managing, or providing access to sensitive data in your organisation, your insights are essential! We only need one response per organisation, so please check with your team to see who’s best placed to complete it.
Do I need to complete the survey in one sitting?
No, you don’t. As long as your browser is set to accept cookies, you can return to the survey on the same device and continue from where you left off.
How will the results be used?
Your input will help us assess the capabilities of sensitive data research infrastructures in the UK. A full report will be published, and the findings could inform future funding and investment in this space.
What’s the deadline?
Please complete the survey by Tuesday, 8 July 2025.
