Apply now for the Office for National Statistics Research Excellence Awards 2025

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Research Excellence Awards are back for 2025,  celebrating the people and projects using secure data to deliver real-world impact.

These awards recognise innovative research and data-driven insights that inform policy, improve public services, and contribute to the public good. Whether you're leading a research project, building secure datasets, or enabling access to data, this is your opportunity to be recognised for your contribution.

Who can apply?

If your work has helped create, provided access to, or you have used ONS-managed data within a trusted research environment (TRE), you may be eligible to apply. Projects must have delivered at least one new impactful output or outcome in the past 18 months.

This year’s award categories

This year there are five categories reflecting the wide range of contributions taking place across the research and data community:

• Impact of Analysis Award – for research that demonstrates excellence in methodology, collaboration, communication, and public benefit or impact.
• Government-led Impact of Analysis Award – for projects led by UK government departments that involve cross-sector collaboration and deliver visible outcomes.
• Data Creation Award – for those who are involved in creating, enhancing, or preparing secure datasets for use in TREs.
• Organisational Innovation Award – for organisations that have improved infrastructure, capability, or support to enable secure data access.
• ONS People’s Choice Award – all eligible entries will be entered into this public vote.

Celebrating research that matters

Last year’s winners included projects exploring inequalities in the justice system, linking education and health data, and improving tools for secure data access. These projects demonstrated the benefits of secure data creation and research, together with strong collaboration and innovative ideas, to address complex societal challenges and improve outcomes for people and communities.

You can read more about the 2024 winners on the ADR UK website.

Apply now and find out more

Nominations are now open and will close at midnight on 15 September 2025.

Winners will be announced at our in-person ONS Research Capability event on Wednesday 4 December—a fantastic opportunity to hear about the latest work using secure data and celebrate the people behind it. Save the date and join us for this inspiring showcase of research excellence.

For more information and to apply for a Research Excellence Award, visit the ONS website.  

If you have any questions, contact the team at REA2025@ons.gov.uk.