ADR UK-funded SafePod Network expands with launch of first SafePoints at LSE
Category: ADR UK Partnership
20 January 2026
The ADR UK-funded SafePod Network continues to expand its services to provide researchers with secure access to public sector and sensitive data for research through the launch of SafePoints. We are delighted to announce that a Hub of SafePoints based at the London School of Economics and Political Science launches today.
SafePoints are custom built desks that provide all the required security for secure access to data for research, similar to SafePods. There are two desk models available and include options for collaborative working.
SafePoint marks the latest expansion of the SafePod Network, building on the success of the existing SafePod service by offering a flexible, scalable way for organisations to provide secure data access locally, while supporting collaboration and widening access to sensitive data for public benefit research.
About the LSE SafePoint Hub
Located on the fourth floor of the LSE Library, the new SafePoint Hub provides researchers with four secure SafePoint desks. This includes both SingleDesk and MultiDesk configurations, enabling individual researchers as well as research teams to work securely on the same project.
Researchers will now be able to access approved project data from a range of Data Centres, including the Office for National Statistics, UK Data Service, Scottish Government, the Luxembourg Income Study and ADR UK data.
This is the first SafePoint Hub to open as part of the SafePoint programme, demonstrating how organisations can work in partnership with the SafePod Network to expand secure data access beyond traditional safe settings.
Expanding secure access to data across UK institutions
Professor Susana Mourato, Vice President and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) at LSE, said: “We are proud to host the first ever SafePoint Hub, reinforcing LSE’s commitment to investing in state-of-the-art research infrastructure. Trusted access to high-quality administrative data is essential for impactful social science, and this Hub places LSE at the forefront of secure data access. Located within the LSE Library — the British Library of Political Science — it also strengthens our role as a national and international resource for social scientists beyond our own institution.”
Dr Emma Gordon, Director of ADR UK, added: “We are delighted that SafePoint provides even more ways for researchers to access ADR UK data securely, regardless of location, while supporting collaboration across institutions. The LSE SafePoint Hub shows how, by working in partnership, we can expand secure data access and create more opportunities for researchers to work together on impactful public good research.”
Apply now to install SafePoint
Applications are now open for organisations interested in installing a SafePoint at their own institution, and includes funding options. SafePoint offers a low-cost, standardised and scalable solution that enables secure access to public sector and sensitive data while widening opportunities for researchers to work with linked administrative data.
