Unlocking the power of data: Why HDR UK’s support for the ADR UK Conference 2025 matters
Categories: Blogs, Events, Conferences, ADR Wales, YDG Cymru, ADR UK Partnership, Health & wellbeing
26 August 2025
This blog by Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) explores HDR UK’s commitment to using health data for public benefit, its approach to public involvement and transparency, and the ways it collaborates with ADR UK to strengthen the data research ecosystem. It discusses what to expect from HDR UK’s sessions at the ADR UK Conference 2025 and why these topics matter for the future of data-driven research.
HDR UK plays a key role in the ADR UK community
Everyday data – generated when people use the NHS – holds the potential to address major health challenges like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Everyone in the UK has a choice about how NHS data is used to improve care, treatments, and our understanding of health and disease.
Most people support the use of health data for public benefit if it is done transparently and responsibly. Unfortunately, a lack of transparency, unclear communication about how data is accessed and used, and limited public involvement in decision-making can undermine trust and affect willingness to consent to the use of their data for research and innovation.
Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) is the UK’s national institute for health data science. We work with the NHS, universities, charities, and industry to unlock the power of health data for research that can improve people’s lives.
HDR UK views patients and the public as partners, working with them to develop an involvement and engagement plan. This includes our Public Advisory Board, the HDR UK Voices network, community events and science festivals, coordination of the Public Engagement in Data Research Initiative (PEDRI), and our recently launched community grants programmes.
Why HDR UK is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the ADR UK Conference 2025
HDR UK is a key partner of ADR UK, collaborating to build national infrastructure for data research that safely harnesses administrative and health datasets.
As a Gold Sponsor, we underscore our commitment to this cross-sector alliance, which advances public benefit through data-driven research.
HDR UK plays a critical role in supporting the ADR UK community through strategic leadership, infrastructure development, and collaboration across sectors.
Why the ADR UK Conference 2025 is a must-attend event
The ADR UK Conference 2025 is an invaluable event for researchers, policymakers, data professionals, and public engagement experts to attend because it offers a unique national platform to explore the transformative potential of administrative data across sectors.
It plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of data-driven research in the UK by advancing the infrastructure, culture, and collaboration needed to make administrative data a cornerstone of public good research.
How HDR UK supports the ADR UK community
ADR UK is a founding partner of the Public Engagement in Data Research Initiative (PEDRI), which is coordinated by HDR UK. PEDRI brings together 18 organisations alongside members of the public, all with one common goal: to help those working in data and statistics truly collaborate with the people their work impacts.
HDR UK’s collaboration with ADR UK goes further. We work with ADR UK-funded researchers through our regional networks to show how administrative data can provide valuable insights into health. For example, we recently made a video with Dr Michaela James, an ADR UK-funded researcher who also collaborates with the HDR UK Wales regional network, in which she discussed her research into young people’s wellbeing.
We’re proud to work closely with ADR UK colleagues to enhance public engagement with data. This includes sharing knowledge, supporting each other’s work, and promoting good practice in data research and statistics through the PEDRI Good Practice Standards, among other activities.
What attendees can gain from the conference
Attendees of the ADR UK Conference 2025 can expect a wide range of professional, academic, and practical benefits.
If you are attending, you’ll be able to explore a programme packed with thought-provoking sessions on public engagement and key developments in data research. Our sessions will offer practical insights, real-world examples, and tools you can take back to your own work:
- 16 October: An interactive workshop with the PEDRI Good Practice Standards Working Group, sharing insights from the development of an evaluation tool for testing during the upcoming funding call, and inviting your reflections and experiences.
- 17 October: A presentation on our work with the Transparency Standards.
- 18 October: A session on involving the public in developing the GUARDS principles, and another on co-producing research with the public in relation to Unique Property Reference Numbers.
Each session will highlight why safe, responsible access to data matters, and how making information clear, up to date, and accessible — while involving the public in decision-making at every stage — can build trust and improve outcomes.
Several members of our community will also be at the HDR UK exhibitor stand — please stop by and say hello!
To plan your visit and discover the full range of keynotes, workshops, and panels:
