UK Health Data Research Alliance logo.The Alliance is managed by Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) and funded as part of HDR UK’s 2023-2028 core work to accelerate the trustworthy use of health data for research.

It was previously supported by UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (through the ‘Data to early diagnosis and precision medicine challenge’) as part of the Digital Innovation Hub (DIH) Programme.

Visit the Alliance website

The purpose of the Alliance

The Alliance aims to accelerate progress in health and care by encouraging widespread and responsible access to structured and unstructured clinical, administrative, imaging, genomic and other molecular data.

The UK has some of the richest health datasets world-wide. Some of these are well organised, but only a fraction of all NHS and research data is accessible for research and innovation. This makes it difficult for researchers and innovators realise the full potential and value from the data, slowing down the development of new treatments, innovation and progress towards a more efficient health and social care service.

By combining expertise and a shared commitment to health research collaboratively, we are helping researchers and innovators to answer some of the most difficult questions and address the most important health challenges faced in the UK.

Infographic for the UK Health Data Research Alliance explaining its mission, activities, focus areas, and membership process. It describes the Alliance as a partnership of healthcare and research organizations aiming to ensure ethical and trustworthy use of health data. Sections include: "What does the Alliance do?", listing best practice sharing, policy recommendations, and infrastructure development; "Current areas of Alliance focus", covering standards, trustworthiness, data interoperability, and skills development; and "How do I join the Alliance?", explaining the process for prospective members. Includes icons of people, data, and graphs.
Infographic explaining the UK Health Data Research Alliance’s mission, activities, focus areas, and process to become a member.

View and download the Alliance the one-pager

How the Alliance works

Through the development and sharing of best practice, and by earning trust in health data use, the Alliance aims to maximise research potential and ensure it benefits as many people across the UK as possible – we achieve this by:

  • Bringing together the research, clinical, and disease advocacy communities, patients and the public, and the private sector to support and promote the responsible sharing of health data for vital research and innovation.
  • Collaborating to create a versatile platform that is open and accessible, and provides common standards and tools for stakeholders in the health data science community; and,
  • Publishing a series of Green and White papers on key work areas for consultation, helping to shape developments and to create a responsible and ethical infrastructure for UK health research and innovation.

Visit the Alliance website

Meet the Alliance team

Simon Jobson Senior Programme Manager - Alliance and Communities
Nada Karrar Delivery Manager
Sarah Ward Business Administrator

Contact us