Exploring the potential of synthetic data

Find out more about synthetic data, the opportunities it offers data owners and researchers, and how ADR UK is leading the way.

What is synthetic data?

Synthetic data is data that mimics real administrative data, but doesn’t include real people’s information.

Because synthetic data is not real data, it can be accessed safely and quickly to help someone prepare to use and analyse data. This can support people learning about data analysis, when planning research projects, and when collaborating with others.

However, there is currently a lack of shared understanding about synthetic data, including how it is made and what it can be used for.

ADR UK is running a range of projects to help develop this important and emerging field. Watch this space by signing up for updates, and follow us on LinkedIn as we share developments.

What is it? Synthetic data is created to reflect real data without using real people's information. It is made by analysing patterns in real data and creating new data that follows the same trends - but without including any actual individuals. It looks like real data but keeps personal information safe. For example, a synthetic version of hospital visits might look similar to the real data but would not contain any real patients. This makes it safer to use.

Why is it useful? Researchers can start working with data while waiting for access to real datasets. When researchers request access to real data, their applications must be carefully reviewed by public sector organisations. This can take time, but sharing synthetic data allows researchers to begin their work sooner. It helps researchers test their methods and improve their studies. Researchers can use synthetic data for training, testing code, and developing research plans. This makes them better prepared when they receive the real data, leading to more effective research that benefits the public.

View the full synthetic data infographic for more infomation. This was designed through the ADR UK-funded Discussing Data project at Cardiff University.

View infographic

What’s happening now?

Research to understand the future of synthetic data

ADR UK has funded research working with a range of partners to consider the benefits, costs, and uses of synthetic data. This has involved gathering views from those who own and host data, as well as from the wider public:

A workshop hosted by ADR UK will bring together representatives from government departments with academic researchers, analysts, data processors and members of the public to consider the next steps from these projects.

Collaborating across the data community

ADR UK will be joining events and talks across the UK to share our knowledge and support wider debate on synthetic data.

Upcoming events include presenting a panel session at the International Association for Social Science Information Service & Technology (IASSIST) conference in June 2025: “Synthetic data’s role in shaping research and governance”.

ADR UK is also an active member of the UK Synthetic Data Community Group, funded by DARE UK (Data and Analytics Research Environments UK). This group aims to foster a collaborative network of researchers, data owners, and members of the public to advance the responsible use of synthetic data in sensitive data research.

Synthetic Data Working Group

ADR UK chair a working group that brings together specialists from across the sector. Our current projects include:

Developing a shared glossary for synthetic data terminology
Understanding the characteristics of synthetic data that make it useful for researchers
Exploring tools for measuring risks around and uses of synthetic data.

Where can I learn more?

Recommendations for synthetic data use designed in consultation with the public

Explore recommendations co-produced with public input through a UK-wide consultation to reflect public perspectives on synthetic data governance, privacy, and utility.