A new Data Access Scheme (DAS) has been launched in Wessex, offering researchers across the region the chance to help accelerate improvements in patient care
Delivered in partnership by the Wessex Secure Data Environment (SDE) and Wessex Health Partners (WHP), the Data Access Scheme supports researchers to generate new insights from large-scale, research-ready clinical datasets. The award stimulates innovative research questions and maximises the impact of existing data to address real-world healthcare challenges.
In addition, we want to actively partner with organisations across Wessex to bring new data assets into the environment, expanding the breadth and depth of regional data to maximise its value for research and create a truly Wessex-wide data research facility.
Priority data areas include:
DAS is open to researchers working in Wessex Health Partners organisations with projects expected to align to regional priorities such as improving population health, reducing inequalities and delivering measurable benefits for patients and the NHS.
Priority methods we want to enable:
Applications are invited from data scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals – anyone looking to use new ways of researching to accelerate improvements in health and care.
Successful applicants will:
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Mark Heffernan, Managing Director of the Wessex SDE, said: “We want to encourage researchers from across Wessex to bring forward their best ideas and make use of the data already available within the SDE. By removing barriers such as access costs and streamlining approvals, we are creating real opportunities to deliver impactful research that improves patient outcomes and supports the NHS.”
The scheme offers in-kind support, including access to the SDE platform and data curation expertise valued at £25,000 per project. The scheme also enables faster project setup through delegated approvals via the Wessex Data Access Committee, helping researchers move more quickly from idea to insight.
Applicants and their host organisations will be supported to bring additional data sets into the SDE, increasing the scale and depth of their research and building a data research facility fit for the future
Christine McGrath, Managing Director of Wessex Health Partners, said: “This scheme is an important step for Wessex, bringing our NHS and university partners together to make better use of the data we already hold. It will help us generate new insights at pace, strengthen collaboration across the region, and ultimately deliver real benefits for patients and communities.”
Applications open 3 June 2026 and close 10 July 2026.
More information – application guidance and application form can be found here.
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