The everyday data that shapes our lives: Connecting Society special live episode
Categories: Public engagement, ADR UK Research Fellows, ADR UK Partnership, Children, young people & education, Social mobility & inclusion
25 June 2026
This month’s episode of the Connecting Society podcast looks a little different. ADR UK recently took part in Pint of Science, a worldwide science festival which brings researchers to the pub to share their knowledge with local communities. At the event, we recorded a special two-part live episode of the podcast – part one is available now!
For the first part of the episode, the audience heard from ADR UK Research Fellow Dr Alice Wickersham. Alice explained how administrative data – information routinely collected by schools, hospitals, workplaces and other public services as part of their day-to-day operations – can be used for research that answers important social questions.
Uncovering hidden connections
Using examples from her own research, Alice showed how linked administrative data can reveal patterns that would otherwise remain hidden. Her work has found that young people whose educational attainment declines over time are more likely to experience mental health difficulties or become involved in offending later in life. These findings suggest that changes in school performance could act as an early indicator that a young person needs additional support, helping policymakers and practitioners intervene sooner.
The discussion also explored how administrative data is de-identified and kept secure. Wide-ranging questions from the audience spanned data security, data linkage, public trust and the balance between privacy and public benefit. Alice explained the extensive safeguards that govern access to de-identified data, including secure research environments, strict legal agreements and robust approval processes that ensure research is carried out in the public interest.
Throughout the evening, the value of evidence-based policymaking was at the forefront of discussions. From education reform to health and justice services, administrative data help governments and public bodies understand what is working, identify where support is needed, and make better-informed decisions that benefit society.
Bringing science to the community
Pint of Science is an annual festival that takes research beyond universities and into community spaces, creating opportunities for people to engage directly with researchers and ask questions about topics that affect their lives.
Because public engagement sits at the heart of ADR UK’s work, this was a fantastic opportunity to take our research out into the real world and hear from those we want to benefit – the public. By bringing researchers and communities together, events such as Pint of Science help build understanding, transparency and trust around data-driven research.
Listen to part one of our special live episode to hear Alice’s presentation and audience Q&A in full. In part two, coming soon, Professor Ian Brennan will discuss knife crime, data reporting and how evidence can help us better understand complex social issues.
