The Secure eResearch Platform (SeRP), one of Wales’ flagship investments in data science and public health research, has presented on the transformative role data can play in improving public services and delivering real-world benefits for the people of Wales, the UK, and beyond at the Senedd, Welsh Parliament, particularly highlighting the significance of Health Data at the Senedd. This focus on Health Data at the Senedd is crucial for understanding the impact of health policies and initiatives (1st July 2025).
Titled ‘Harnessing the Unique Potential of Health Data’, the Senedd event served as a unique opportunity for the SeRP and SAIL (Secure Anonymised Information Linkage) Databank teams to engage directly with Ministers and policymakers to demonstrate how data-led research is already informing decision making, shaping policy, and advancing global understanding of population health. Through its robust infrastructure and ethical, privacy-protecting governance model, SAIL and SeRP have become critical enablers for public good research.
The event also showcased the broader Welsh data ecosystem, including pioneering investments such as the Administrative Data Research Wales (ADR Wales). These initiatives, supported by Welsh and UK Governments, have cemented Wales’ position as a leader in data-intensive research, enabling world-class, secure data access for researchers addressing complex societal challenges.
Chris Orton, Head of SeRP and SAIL Business Development, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to speak with ministers about how SAIL is already contributing to high-impact research and how improving data access and holdings could elevate this work even further. Also to discuss how Wales has unique assets in SAIL and SeRP and how we might continue to ensure Wales is a leader in UK and international population data science and research infrastructure was a fantastic opportunity.We are proud to be using our capabilities to deliver insights that help shape policy and improve lives, both here and globally.”
Ashley Akbari,Professor of Population Data Science Research added:“Events like this are vital to showcase opportunities and highlight challenges we can work together on in data science and policy. Wales has made bold and visionary investments in data research. It was great to showcase how SAIL, ADR Wales and SeRP are enabling research that benefits people and services, working together in multi-disciplinary collaborations across the NHS, government, academia and the public, not only across the UK but on the global stage.”
The discussions reaffirmed the growing recognition of health and administrative data as a powerful tool to inform evidence-based policymaking. The SAIL Databank team welcomed the opportunity to engage with political leaders in continuing to support safe and ethical access to data, unlocking its full potential in addressing pressing challenges in health, education, housing, and other areas.
This focus on Health Data at the Senedd demonstrates the commitment to leveraging data for improving public health outcomes and policy effectiveness.