Explore, connect, collaborate: South West SDE launches autumn research events
This autumn, a mix of webinars and collaborative workshops are on offer to help researchers navigate secure data access, connect with partners, and explore how health data can accessed for impactful research.
The South West Secure Data Environment (SDE) will be holding a series of webinars and workshops in autumn 2026. Join us to learn about the health and care data assets available in the South West, and how the SDE can facilitate data-driven research aligned with NHS priorities.
Three online workshops will provide a broad overview of the SDE, and using health data for research and commercial opportunities. These will be followed by an in-person workshop, which will provide a more in-depth discussion of the data assets available in the South West, and a sandpit event to develop regional collaborations and research projects.
Follow the links to find out more and register your interest. Scroll down to see the videos and presentations from previous events.
In-person workshops at Sandy Park, Exeter
We will be holding two free workshops at Sandy Park. The first of these will be a more in-depth exploration of data within the South West SDE, and an opportunity for networking. The second will be a regional sandpit event to foster new collaborations and generate ideas for research proposals.
Exploring data available through the South West SDE
Thursday 22nd October
This event has taken place – you can download the presentation here.
This workshop explored the range of data available through the South West SDE (e.g. NHS commissioning data, imaging, genomics, free text, local authorities, VCSE), alongside research priorities with regional NHS leads, VCSEs and public partners. It showcased readily available data assets (including those provided through the DAFNEA initiative).
Broaden and Connect: a South West SDE research sandpit
Wednesday 18th November, 10am – 4pm
This day aims to spark new research collaborations using South West SDE assets. It’s an invitation to lean into the conversations you wouldn’t normally have. Whether you bring a strong research network but limited experience with data, deep data expertise but fewer connections across the region, or a bit of both, you’ll leave with new links, new questions, and support to take them further.
Limited spaces are available – please request a place by Friday 6 November.
Previous webinars
Introduction to the South West SDE
Tuesday 15th September
This webinar provided an overview of the SDE, how it supports health data research, and the processes researchers follow to access and use data safely and responsibly.
Using data in the South West SDE for research
Thursday 24th September
This webinar focused on the practical steps involved in designing, accessing, and conducting research using data within the SDE. It provides researchers with an understanding of how data-driven research differs from traditional approaches, the technical infrastructure supporting the SDE, and the processes that enable secure access to high-quality health data.
Commercial partnerships and the South West SDE
Thursday 30th September
This webinar outlined how commercial organisations can collaborate with the SDE to access data, develop innovative solutions, and generate value for patients, the NHS, researchers, and industry partners. This session is particularly useful for industry organisations and innovation partners that are interested in working with NHS data, and for researchers wishing to collaborate with commercial partners on data-driven health research.
This work has been supported by the LEAP Digital Health Hub, which has been funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under grant number EP/X031349/1.