HDRS has launched a rolling call for Data Driver Projects – an exciting opportunity for UK organisations and consortia to use existing health data, infrastructure and access routes to generate real value for researchers, patients, the NHS and Health and Social Care Services (HSC).
HDR UK Midlands strongly encourages researchers, universities, NHS organisations, charities and industry partners across the Midlands to apply for the latest Health Data Research Service (HDRS) Data Driver Projects funding opportunity.
The new programme aims to unlock the power of UK health data by supporting projects that can deliver measurable benefits for patients, researchers, the NHS and wider health and social care services. Funding is available for organisations that can build on existing health data infrastructure, datasets and partnerships to accelerate research and innovation.
Accelerating Health Data Research and Innovation
The UK holds some of the world’s richest health datasets, offering significant opportunities to improve healthcare, advance medical research and support innovation. However, challenges around accessing and using data can slow progress.
Through its Data Driver Projects programme, HDRS is seeking to demonstrate how health data can be used more effectively to generate real-world impact. The initiative will support projects that showcase the value of secure, trusted access to health data and help accelerate discoveries that can improve patient outcomes.
This funding call follows the launch of HDRS Technical Transformation Projects earlier this summer and forms part of HDRS’ wider ambition to simplify access to health data for approved researchers across the UK.
Funding Available for Data Driver Projects
HDRS is inviting applications for projects that can build on established health data capabilities and deliver clear outcomes within the funding period.
Projects should align with one or more of the following themes:
- Discovery research
- Clinical trials
- Innovation development
- Evaluation and evidence generation
Particular emphasis will be placed on projects that create lasting value through reusable datasets, digital tools, resources, services or research capabilities that can continue to benefit the wider health data community beyond the life of the grant.
Who Can Apply?
The Data Driver Projects call is open to a wide range of UK-registered organisations, including:
- Universities and research institutions
- NHS organisations
- Health and care providers
- Charities
- Industry partners
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Secure Data Environments (SDEs)
- Other UK health data environments
- Multi-organisation consortia
Given the programme’s timescales, applicants should be able to demonstrate that relevant data access arrangements, information governance processes, partnerships and delivery plans are already in place, or will be established before project mobilisation in autumn 2026.
HDR UK Midlands is particularly keen to see applications from organisations and collaborative partnerships across the Midlands that can harness health data to address regional and national healthcare challenges.
Key Application Dates
The funding call opened on 12 August 2026 and will close at 5pm on Friday 2nd October 2026.
Important dates include:
- First webinar for prospective applicants: Friday 14th August 2026, 14.00-14.45. Register here
- Second webinar for prospective applicants: Wednesday 2nd September 2026, 14.00-14.45. Register here
- Call closing date: Friday 2nd October 2026, 5pm.
- Assessment Cycle 1 submission deadline (mid-point): Wednesday 9th September 2026, 5pm.
- Assessment Cycle 2 submission deadline (final): Friday 2nd October 2026, 5pm.
Why Apply for a Data Driver Project?
The programme offers an opportunity for organisations to demonstrate how existing health data assets can be transformed into practical solutions that support research, innovation and healthcare improvement.
Successful projects will help showcase the potential of health data to:
- Improve patient care and health outcomes
- Support faster and more efficient research
- Enable innovation across the health sector
- Strengthen the UK’s health data infrastructure
- Generate evidence to inform healthcare decision-making
Apply Now
HDR UK Midlands encourages all eligible organisations across the region to explore this exciting funding opportunity and consider how their expertise, partnerships and data resources could contribute to the future of health data research.
Prospective applicants should review the call guidance, FAQs and application materials before preparing their submission.
Applications must be completed on the Application Form and sent to driverprojects@hdrs.com by the submission deadlines.
For further information, visit the HDRS website or contact the Driver Projects team at driverprojects@hdrs.com.
