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NHS Digital
Data and information
Research powered by data

Research powered by data

We provide approved researchers with fast, secure, and streamlined access to the health and care data they need, empowering them to improve lives.

The NHS is investing in data initiatives to drive health research which will improve patient care and outcomes.

Key programmes include the NHS Research Secure Data Environment Network which offers faster and more secure access to NHS data for approved research, and NHS DigiTrials which assists clinical trials with recruitment, feasibility studies, and data analysis. Secure data environments use a data access model to keep data secure, protect patient privacy and provide transparency about how it's used.

Access health data for research

Explore our services for researchers and learn how to access NHS data.

SDE Network and NHS DigiTrials

Streamlined access to NHS data for research, analysis and recruitment to trials.

Find the data you need

Explore national and local data sets available through secure data environments (SDEs) as well as publicly available health data.

Apply to access data

Contact your chosen SDE to get advice and check your use case is valid and feasible.

Registration Service

Only registered individuals and organisations can request data access.

Support and resources

Further information to help researchers.

Improving care and listening to the public

Life saving research

How research, powered by NHS data, helps improve care and save lives.

News, blogs, videos

Patient voice

Involving the public in decisions about how NHS data is used.

Feedback

We welcome your feedback on these pages.

Receive our updates

Complete our mailing list form to receive updates about the NHS Research SDE Network and NHS DigiTrials.

Last edited: 20 March 2026 2:33 pm