September newsletter

Welcome to this month's newsletter, featuring the latest developments from Smart Data Research UK. You find us diving into autumn with a packed agenda of activities and announcements.?

Over the weekend, our first public dialogue workshops took place across the UK. The events, involving just over 70 members of the public, ran in Belfast, Gateshead, Inverness, London and Newport.

Participants heard from Paul Monks , Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero , who talked about the value of smart data for policy making. Later, we were joined in Gateshead by Rachel Oldroyd from 英国利兹大学 . Rachel described the work of Consumer Data Research Centre on the Priority Places for Food Index. Over the coming weeks, participants will hear a lot more about smart data research, interact with a range of experts, and discuss their views. You can find out more about the public dialogue on our website.?

It was good to see technology being debated in the House of Commons on the first day back for MPs. The ODI shared a helpful blog of proceedings here. I’m looking forward to taking part in an ODI event on 15 October in London, part of its work on Data-centric AI. Please follow our social media for more details on this.?

The latest World of Smart Data blog is now live on our website. Thanks to Layla Robinson (Theiner) at Research Data Scotland , who talks about her work helping to unlock access to data across different sectors to improve lives across Scotland and the UK.?

I know that many of you will be keeping an eye out for news of our funded Data Services. Following a competitive call earlier this year, we're now finalising the details, and we look forward to sharing an announcement in October. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved, including all of you in the community who gave your time and expertise so generously to support the process.?

Thanks for being part of our community!?

Joe Cuddeford Director, Smart Data Research UK?

Workshop on ethics and legalities??

The latest workshop from Smart Data Research UK's strategic advice team - Ethics and legalities in smart data research - takes place on 7 October, 1:00pm - 3:00pm.?

We would like to hear from researchers working in all disciplines. Perhaps you have insights to share on the ethical frameworks for research and their application when using smart data sources? If so, do join us. The findings, alongside insights from our public engagement work, will contribute to Smart Data Research UK’s development of ethics and legal resources.?

The workshop will welcome speakers Suchith Anand , who will discuss the work of The Ethical Data Initiative and Nina Di Cara , who will talk about the?Data Hazards Project.?

For more information, please visit our website.?

News from our data services

Urban Big Data Centre (UBDC)?

• Transforming Urban Living Event ?

The Alan Turing Institute and Urban Big Data Centre are hosting this year's Turing Urban Analytics meeting at the University of Glasgow from 11-13 November. The theme is 'Transforming Urban Living with AI and Digital Twins'. The organisers are now inviting proposals for five-minute lightning talks. Register for the event first, then fill in the Lightning Talks application form before 27 September 2024.?

• Pandemic impact on urban traffic ?

UBDC's urban traffic study has revealed fresh insights into how COVID-19 dramatically changed travel behaviours. The team examined the relationship between traffic flows, urban infrastructure, and socio-demographic indicators before, during and after the pandemic. You can access the full paper here.?

Consumer Data Research Centre (CDRC)?

• Liverpool inequalities ?

New research from Patrick Ballantyne and Alex Singleton , in collaboration with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, leverages a variety of data to assess inequalities in the region. At the heart of the research is an Intervention Index, a composite measure aggregating data across four critical domains: transport accessibility, socioeconomic status, economic development, and housing opportunities. You can read more here.?

• Academy recognition?

Consumer Data Research Centre ULO Deputy Directors James Cheshire and Alex Singleton have just been elected as Fellows of Academy of Social Sciences , recognising their outstanding contributions to social science research and its impact on society. Many congratulations to them both!? ?

Data policy insights

• What could be the economic benefits of strengthening smart data for Small and Medium Enterprises? ? https://www.openbanking.org.uk/insights/using-the-power-of-smart-data-to-unlock-business-lending/ ? ?
• Public engagement in data for research Catch up on a blog by Shayda Kashef , public engagement lead ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK) , discussing a national initiative to engage the public about data use: ? PEDRI: A place where people and data come together - HDR UK ? ?
• Public trust in the use of data for health and social care? A recent blog by Dr Nicola Byrne (on Gov.uk): Three years as National Data Guardian: what I have learnt?

• Health inequalities in the food system ? UKRI, multiple funders. Closing date 19 September 2024.? https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/health-inequalities-in-the-food-system/?? ? ?

• UKRI Digital Research Technical Professional Skills NetworkPlus? UKRI multiple funders. Closing date 2 October 2024.? https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ukri-digital-research-technical-professional-skills-networkplus/????
• Engineering Healthier Environments: Micro Network & Micro Network Plus? EPSRC. Closing date 2 October 2024.? https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/engineering-healthier-environments-micro-network-and-micro-network-plus/?
• Transforming prediction and early diagnosis in the community. EPSRC. Closing date 30 October 2024. https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/transforming-prediction-and-early-diagnosis-in-the-community/ ? ? ?
• BRAID fellowships - recruiting more fellows in collaboration with the British Academy. ? Closing date 20 November 2024. ? https://braiduk.org/projects-fellowships?
• King’s College London Innovation Scholars? ? Funded by UKRI, a new flexible and modular training programme for healthcare professionals, researchers and industry partners. For more information visit the King's College London website and contact the team here: [email protected].?

Other dates for the diary

UK Data Service drop-in session?

• On 19 September at 12:00pm, UK Data Service is running an online drop-in event for SecureLab users who have any queries regarding aspects of SecureLab use. Find out more at the website.?

DataConnect24?

• DataConnect24 will be taking place from 23 to 27 September. This free week-long event will bring together UK public sector data leaders, academics, innovative thinkers, data scientists, data engineers, and AI specialists. Now in its fourth year, DataConnect24 is run ‘for the community, by the community’, and organised by the Central Digital & Data Office. It aims to upskill, connect and inform public sector data professionals through a series of presentations and panel discussions.

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