TREvolution

TREvolution is a UK-wide programme aimed at improving the way researchers securely access and use sensitive data. Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) as part of DARE UK, it brings together local and international partners to make UK Trusted Research Environments (TREs) faster, easier to use, and more effective for research that benefits the public.

TREs are highly secure digital spaces where approved researchers can work with sensitive data – such as health, criminal justice or population data – without the data leaving the secure environment. They help protect privacy while enabling research that can improve public services and policy.

Federation refers to a way of connecting multiple Trusted Research Environments (TREs) so that sensitive data can be analysed across them securely. In a federated network, all TREs follow shared security and governance standards and are designed to work together seamlessly.

Federation can work in two main ways:

• Distributed analysis: The data stays in its original TREs, analyses are carried out where the data is held, and only the results are brought together for review in one place. This is well-suited to analysing comparable data stored in different TREs.

• Temporary data combination: Data from multiple TREs is securely linked or combined so approved researchers can access and analyse it within any TRE in the network. This is often used when data from separate TREs needs to be connected for more complex analysis.

Today’s research challenges – like understanding public health trends, tackling climate change, or developing AI tools – often require working with data from many sources. Current TRE processes can be slow and manual, making research harder. TREvolution is making TREs:

• More connected – so researchers can securely work across multiple UK TREs.
• More efficient – with smarter tools to speed up checks and approvals.
• More powerful – enabling advanced research methods like federated analysis.

TREvolution is jointly led by five leading UK universities – Dundee, Manchester, Nottingham, Swansea, and West of England – and works with partners including NHS Scotland, Research Data Scotland, University College London, and international collaborators from Australia, Switzerland, and South Africa. Importantly, TREvolution also works closely with members of the public to ensure that solutions and standards adopted are trustworthy and publicly acceptable.

TREvolution will deliver innovations focused on three key areas:

• Standardising TRE architecture: Making TREs work better together across the UK.
• AI-supported safety checks: Using smart tools to review research outputs quickly while keeping data safe.
• Federated analysis: Allowing researchers to securely access and analyse data stored in multiple TREs without moving the data.

TREvolution is guided by four key pillars: 

• Adopt standards: Demonstrate how existing international standards can be used to build trust and enable federation.
• Build trust: Develop frameworks and tools to foster trust among TREs, the public, and technology providers.
• Enable federation: Establish methods to address the complexity of undertaking research that involves many TREs.
• Accelerate research: By promoting standards, building trust and enabling federation, speed up discoveries across multiple TREs.

By making TREs faster and more efficient, TREvolution will enable researchers to find answers to important questions more quickly – whether it’s improving healthcare, tackling social issues, or developing new technologies. At the same time, TREvolution will help ensure public sector data stays safe and is used responsibly.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – the UK’s largest public funder of research and innovation – is providing £4.94 million, covering 80% of the total £6.2 million cost, to run TREvolution from March 2025 to March 2027. This funding ensures that new TRE capabilities will be tested in real research settings before being rolled out nationally.

Yes! We welcome input from the public, researchers, and organisations. You can:

• Take part in TREvolution events/webinars and public engagement activities.
• Join workshops or consultations to share your views.
• Follow DARE UK on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Eventbrite.
• Sign up for updates to stay informed about TREvolution’s progress.

You can explore this site for news, events, and updates or send an email to enquiries@dareuk.org.uk.