ONS Research Capability 2025: Driving research for the public good
Categories: Blogs, Conferences, Office for National Statistics
19 December 2025
On Thursday 4 December 2025, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Secure Research Service hosted its annual Research Capability event at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s. This free, in-person conference brought together researchers, data owners, policymakers, and government representatives to celebrate research excellence and explore how data can be used for the public good. Here, Alana Bowen-Burford, Senior Analytical Impact Manager at the ONS, reflects on the day.
Why this event matters
Every year, Research Capability provides a unique space for the research community to connect, share ideas, and showcase the impact of data-driven insights. The event highlights how ONS-managed data can inform decisions that improve lives.
This year’s theme, ‘Research for the public good’, focused on how research can be designed and applied to benefit society. From health and education to economic resilience, the discussions demonstrated the power of data to tackle real-world challenges.
Highlights from the day
The conference opened with a warm welcome from Bill South, Deputy Director of Research Services and Data Access Division, who set the tone for a day of learning and collaboration. Here are some key moments:
- Keynote speech by Alan Smith OBE
Alan Smith, Head of Visual and Data Journalism at the Financial Times, delivered an inspiring talk on how data storytelling can shape public understanding and drive societal impact. His insights reminded us that statistics are not just numbers – they are narratives that influence decisions and change lives. - Interactive workshops
Delegates joined tailored sessions exploring practical ways to access and use ONS data. These workshops offered hands-on guidance for researchers and policymakers keen to make the most of secure data resources. - Networking opportunities
From coffee breaks to the closing session, the event provided plenty of chances to connect with peers, exchange insights, and foster meaningful collaborations. - ONS Research Excellence Awards 2025
A highlight of the day was celebrating the winners of the ONS Research Excellence Awards, which recognise innovative analyses using ONS data and showcase how research delivers public good. Emma Rourke, ONS Acting National Statistician, hosted the award ceremony and announced our winners.
2025 Research Excellence Award Winners
This year’s winners demonstrated how secure data can drive meaningful change:
- Impact of Analysis Award
🏆 The Sure Start Evaluation Team, Institute for Fiscal Studies
Project: The short- and medium-term effects of Sure Start on children’s outcomes
This research examined the impact of sharp cuts to Sure Start, a network of 3,500 children’s centres in England offering families with under-5s a “one-stop shop” for health, education and support. - Government-led Impact of Analysis Award
🏆 The Health Research Group, Office for National Statistics
Project: Connecting the dots: the benefit of linking data on health and wealth
Commissioned by Cabinet Office, HM Treasury and NHS England, this work evaluated how health conditions and interventions affect economic outcomes. - Secure Data Creation Award
🏆 The CeLSIUS Team, University College London and Office for National Statistics
Project: ONS Longitudinal Study 1971 to 2021
The CeLSIUS team has supported academic, voluntary and public sector users of the ONS Longitudinal Study for over two decades, enabling research that spans 50 years of UK population data. - ONS People’s Choice Award
🏆 The Free Schools Project Team – University College London Institute of Education
Project: The impact of free schools on neighbouring schools and their students
This research analysed the effect of free schools, introduced in England in 2010, on neighbouring schools and student outcomes.
Visit the ONS website to read more about how these projects demonstrate the power of secure data to inform policy and improve lives.
Commendations
Alongside the main awards, we were proud to recognise outstanding contributions through commendations. These projects exemplify innovation, collaboration, and impact in research using ONS data:
- Carly Lightowers – Communication & Presentation of Research
Court enforced alcohol abstinence: does it reduce reoffending? - Hope Kent – Impact & Public Benefit
A double disadvantage: a neurodevelopmental profile and poverty confer synergistic risk of youth justice involvement - Ezgi Kaya – Collaboration & Methodology
Exploring the nexus between immigration, integration and labour market outcomes - Department of Economics, University of Surrey – Impact & Public Benefit
Should we stay or should we go? Firms’ decision on services mode of supply - Free Schools Project Team, UCL – Methodology
Impact of free schools on neighbouring schools and their students
These commendations highlight the breadth of research being undertaken and the value of secure data in addressing complex societal challenges.
Reflections from winners and attendees
Rob Higham, ONS People’s Choice Award Winner:
“Many thanks for everything! It was wonderful to receive our award, and everything was organised so well. So, a big thanks to you and your team”.
Nicola Shelton, Secure Data Creation Award Winner:
“The day was very well organised with clear focus on research excellence. I learned about new secure research data sets that are being released and the opportunities for using them. I would highly recommend attendance”
Emma Rourke, Acting National Statistician:
“These awards celebrate the outstanding work being done with ONS-owned data and demonstrate the real-world impact of research.
It’s inspiring to see how innovative analysis can deliver insights that benefit the public and strengthen trust in evidence-based policy.”
Are you our next winner?
The Research Excellence Awards 2026 will open in early summer. Start the conversation with your teams now about which project you’ll nominate for our prestigious awards.
Why attend next year?
Research Capability is more than a conference – it’s a community. It’s where data owners and researchers come together to share best practice, celebrate achievements, and spark new collaborations. If you’re passionate about using data to make a difference, this is the event for you.
Stay tuned for updates on Research Capability 2026 and next year’s Research Excellence Awards and join us in continuing the conversation about how research can serve the public good.
Stay connected through our monthly newsletter or social media:
- Register for the ONS Secure Research Service newsletter
- Follow the ONS on X and LinkedIn.
ADR UK’s role in supporting research
ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK) plays a vital role in enabling researchers to access linked administrative data securely and responsibly. By supporting ONS data services and working with government departments and data owners, ADR UK helps create opportunities for research that delivers real benefits for society- from improving public services to shaping better policy.
Events like Research Capability showcase the importance of collaboration between organisations like ADR UK and ONS to ensure data is used ethically and effectively for the public good.
