Recording: ADR UK Researcher Symposium - Climate and sustainability

Watch a recording of the latest ADR UK Researcher Symposium, which brought together researchers from across the ADR UK partnership to explore the theme of climate and sustainability.

Recorded in October 2025, this symposium explored how research using linked administrative data can advance understanding of climate and environmental sustainability, in areas from active commuting to access to greenspace. The event was Chaired by Ian Townsend, Deputy Director - Environmental Economy at the Office for National Statistics, and featured presentations from researchers across all four UK nations.

Professor Chris Dibben (ADR Scotland) presented findings on active travel in Scotland, demonstrating causal links between cycle commuting and improved mental health, and examining how cycling infrastructure influences behaviour in Edinburgh and Glasgow. 

Samantha Turner and Dr Dora Pouliou (ADR Wales) discussed research on school travel distances in Wales, using linked administrative data to identify factors affecting active travel uptake and inform transport and education policy.

Professor Pia Hardelid (ADR England) introduced the Kids' Environment and Health Cohort, a project developing a new national data resource which will link environmental and health data. This will enable researchers to examine the impact of environmental factors on children's health and development.

Neil Rowland and Babak Jahanshahi (ADR Northern Ireland) presented research on the health impacts of air pollution, demonstrating the value of linked administrative data in understanding environmental health risks and informing air quality policy.

Presentations were followed by audience discussion which further explored the data, methods and impact of these projects. Overall, the session highlighted the critical role of administrative data research in enabling better understanding of how environmental factors impact people's lives, and informing better decision-making to address these challenges.