Research

The South West Secure Data Environment (SDE) will enable new and groundbreaking research.

From improving clinical trials to enabling population studies, the South West SDE will open new possibilities for the use of health and care data for research in our region.

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What kind of research will the SDE enable?

Potential uses of SDEs include:

  • AI and algorithm development: testing, training and validation
  • Clinical trials: feasibility, recruitment and follow-up
  • Real world studies: safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness
  • Translational research: academic discovery and implementation of discovery into practice
  • Epidemiological studies: large cohorts for population health research
  • Health systems research: evaluation of systems or processes, including operation and applied research

How do I propose a project?

If you have a research project idea and would like to develop a costed quote with us, please complete our enquiry form.

If you would like more general information about how the South West SDE could support your research, please get in touch.

You can also request access via the Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) Gateway.

The NHS Research Secure Data Environment Network

The South West SDE is part of the NHS Research Secure Data Environment Network. The network helps approved researchers by simplifying and accelerating secure access to the health and social care data they need.

Research working group members

Chrissie Walker profile pic
Chrissie Walker Senior Research Manager, University of Exeter
Christos Vasilakis
Christos Vasilakis Professor Management Science, Healthcare Innovation, University of Bath
Dawn Veiro
Dawn Veiro Digital Critical Friend
Eunan O'Neill
Eunan O’Neill Centre Director, Health Determinants Research Council
Jane Masoli
Jane Masoli Associate Professor of Ageing Research, University of Exeter
Jennifer
Jennifer Digital Critical Friend
Jim Smith Director, Computer Science Research Centre School of Computing and Creative Technologies, University of the West of England
John Dennis
John Dennis Senior Research Fellow, Health Data Science, University of Exeter
Profile picture of Nick Kennedy
Nick Kennedy Chief Research Information Officer, Royal Devon University Healthcare Trust
Phil Evans
Phil Evans Professor of Primary Care Research, APEx, University of Exeter
Profile picture of Rachel Denholm
Rachel Denholm Research Lead, University of Bristol
Sarah Black
Sarah Black Head of Research, Audit and Improvement, South Western Ambulance Service
Tim Nutbeam
Tim Nutbeam Consultant Emergency Medicine, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Yingui Wei
Yinghui Wei Associate Professor of Statistics, University of Plymouth