ADR Northern Ireland

Administrative Data Research Northern Ireland (ADR NI) is a partnership between the Administrative Data Research Centre Northern Ireland (ADRC NI, comprising Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University), and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), which is an accredited processor under the Digital Economy Act (DEA). Together they support the acquisition, linking and analysis of administrative data sets, developing cutting-edge research to improve knowledge, policymaking and public service delivery.

Bringing together specialists from the Queen’s University’s Centre for Public Health and the School of Management, and Ulster University’s Bamford Centre for Mental Health, with statistical experts at NISRA, and with the support of the Health and Social Care Research and Development (HSCR&D) Unit, ADR NI research speaks directly to policy imperatives under the previous Northern Ireland Assembly’s Programme for Government. Researchers from both academia and government are addressing crucial issues for Northern Ireland society, including looked after children, access to mental health and social care services, educational attainment and ageing.

The ADRC NI brings its wealth of knowledge and experience in analysing complex data sets, developing innovative research for public benefit, and a strong track record of independent stakeholder engagement. In turn, NISRA brings proven experience in curating, linking and managing large-scale data sets, employing world-class technological and methodological innovation to support researchers’ access to data sets to transform research and policymaking.

ADR NI is funded directly by the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) with a dedicated portion of the total £59 million investment in ADR UK, initially from July 2018 to March 2022. To find out more about how ADR UK is funded, see About Us. Further details of the grant awarded can be seen on UK Research & Innovation (UKRI)’s Gateway to Research platform.