The Gateway is constantly evolving, making it easier to discover, request access to, and manage health data and related research outputs. From smarter search to accessibility improvements, here’s a look at the key updates shaping the platform so far this year.

Smarter search and navigation

Searching the Gateway is now faster, clearer, and more flexible:

Improved search filters on the Gateway
  • Refined filtering: When you apply filters, like by Data Custodian or geographical coverage, the Gateway automatically adjusts which other filters remain available and shows you how many results to expect
  • Clickable keywords: Key terms in dataset descriptions now act as quick search buttons, making it easier to explore related resources
  • Richer filters: You can filter by dataset standards (e.g. OMOP, FHIR), subtypes (like cardiovascular or cancer), networks (such as the NHS Research Secure Data Environments), and even dataset DOIs
  • Smarter linking: Dataset cards now connect directly to custodian profiles, and Publications search supports looking across multiple datasets at once
  • Search memory: If you log in mid-search, your filters and terms are saved so you can pick up exactly where you left off

Together, these changes mean a smoother user experience, helping you get to the data you need quickly and with ease.

Cohort Discovery enhancements

Cohort Discovery, has been a key focus area for improvement, with several enhancements introduced in 2025:

  • Direct launch from the Gateway: You can now move directly into Cohort Discovery from the Dataset & BioSamples pages using the new ‘Datasets in Cohort Discovery’ filter option
  • Streamlined access requests: The process for requesting access has been simplified, with clearer notification wording and automatic profile data pull-through to speed up approvals
  • Platform upgrade: Behind the scenes, Cohort Discovery now runs on a Kubernetes production system, making it more secure, stable, and scalable for the long term

Data access made easier

Managing Data Access Requests has been redesigned to create a smoother experience for both researchers and data custodians:

For researchers:

  • A personal dashboard to track every application
  • The ability to edit requests until they move to ‘in review’
  • Clearer, transparent updates on application progress

For data custodians:

  • A simple web dashboard to manage all requests in one place
  • Easy-to-customise forms, built with a drag-and-drop Question Bank aligned to the Five Safes Framework
  • Notifications and in-app messaging to keep applicants updated and supported

This Gateway-enabled module offers custodians a cost-free, open-source solution while making the process more efficient for applicants. The Gateway also integrates with data custodians existing data access procedures, directing researchers to apply to access the data they need.

Accessibility and inclusivity

We’ve made the Gateway more usable for everyone by improving accessibility:

  • Better support for screen readers
  • Full keyboard navigation
  • Full-screen view for images with small text
  • Continued work to ensure the site is fully usable on phones and tablets
Design improvements to accessibility make a big difference to user experience

These changes are designed to make the Gateway easier to use and accessible to all.

Supporting Data Custodians

We’ve introduced new features to help custodians make their resources more visible and easier to manage:

  • Aliases: Custodian Teams can now add alternative names or abbreviations (like HDR UK for Health Data Research UK), so users don’t have to search by exact wording
  • Clearer custodian pages: Pages now only show collections that a custodian owns, providing a simpler view and making the information easier to find
  • Metadata onboarding: Terminology has been simplified with new prompts for generating secure client IDs. Adding a DOI to a dataset now automatically creates a linked publication entry, connecting resources together more efficiently

Look out for some exciting developments as we work with custodians to improve metadata quality and strengthen connectivity across the Gateway – coming soon!

Technical and performance improvements

Some important behind-the-scenes updates have improved the Gateway’s reliability and performance:

  • Clearer error messages: If a search takes too long, the message now suggests tips to help you get results more quickly
  • Feature flagging: Our team can now switch features on and off for testing and troubleshooting which means we can easily and flexibility test the features we are building
  • Consolidated notifications: Custodian team members now get a single email summarising multiple permission changes, instead of separate notifications for every change

Maintaining the stability and reliability of the Gateway is an ongoing effort. This year alone, 51 product releases have been delivered, each focused on improving performance and ensuring a smooth, consistent experience for every user.

HDR UK’s Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Peter Harrison, says:

“Building on the major release we launched in late 2024, we’ve continued to deliver updates to the Gateway to rapidly meet the needs of both researchers and data custodians. From smarter search and streamlined data access to improved accessibility and performance, every improvement is about making health data easier to find, use, and manage.

 

By listening closely to our users, we’re building a platform that not only supports today’s research but continues to deliver lasting benefits for future innovation in health data.”

Clearer signposting and connected resources

Finding your way around the Gateway and beyond has become easier:

Connect to external resources directly from the Gateway platform

Listening to users

User feedback is central to how we improve the Gateway:

  • A user satisfaction survey is live, now with a free-text box so you can explain your scores in more detail
  • A series of short, practical demo sessions were held over the summer designed to help users get the most out of the Gateway. Each session focussed on specific tools, assets, or functions of the Gateway and included a live walkthrough and practical tips to support researchers
  • Easier in-app ways for applicants to communicate directly with custodians during data access request reviews have also been introduced

If you have any feedback or ideas for future improvements, our Technology Team would love to hear from you. Get in touch and help shape the next stage of the Gateway!

Summary

Whether you’re searching datasets, applying for access, or managing requests, the Gateway is becoming more responsive, intuitive, and inclusive. These updates, big and small, are all designed with one goal in mind: helping researchers and custodians accelerate health data research for public benefit.

And we’re not done yet; more improvements are on the way!