CEO Update

This month, we announced the 43 successful applicants across all four nations, which will enable data held in secure data environments across the UK to be connected and used, while maintaining the safety and security safeguards which protect that data. 

We also had the first moderation cycle of our Data Driver projects, which are a chance for UK organisations and consortia to use existing health data, infrastructure and access routes to generate real value for researchers, patients, the NHS and Health and Social Care Services. We have received a huge volume of applications, and the quality has been genuinely impressive. The call remains open on a rolling basis, with Cycle 2 applications welcome until 2 October. I’d encourage all those interested to get in touch. 

Both the technical transformation and the data driver projects have been designed as proof of concept from which we can learn, and build. What excited me most is the potential many of these proposals hold for patients: real, tangible examples of what’s possible when existing data and infrastructure are put to work more effectively. It’s exactly the type of impact HDRS was set up to unlock, and I can’t wait to see them deliver.  

This month I have continued to hear from researchers, patients and the wider health community about their needs and safeguards. I also had the privilege of delivering a Richard Doll seminar on unlocking health data in the UK. HDRS is being built transparently, in partnership with the existing health data ecosystem, with patients and the public at the heart of everything we do. Conversations like these, with researchers, patients and the wider health community, remain absolutely central to how HDRS is taking shape.  

Finally, a brief, but exciting word on our growing team. I’m delighted to share that Alasdair Cowie-Fraser has been appointed our Chief Technology and Product officer. Alasdair, who joins us from Wellcome, will be leading on our technology strategy and core services.  As we build, if you would relish the chance to help shape HDRS from the ground up, please check out our Work With Us page.  

There is a great deal still to do, but it is a real pleasure to share our progress along the way.  

Dr Melanie Ivarsson 
Chief Executive