Join us at the Imago Annual Summit 2026
The Imago Annual Summit takes place in Newcastle upon Tyne on Thursday 10 December 2026.
Smart Data Research UK
Let’s do good
things with data
We’re the UK’s national programme for smart data research. Our mission is to unlock the power of data to improve lives.
What is smart data?
Smart data is made whenever we engage with the digital world. When we buy something, ‘like’ something, or get directions.
If used for scientific research, smart data can change our world. It can help us to understand important social challenges, from disease prevention to climate change.
Latest news and events
All news and funding articles ordered by publication date
How to use Compass IoT speed data
Explore the Healthy and Sustainable Places Data Service's speeding dashboard on Tuesday 17 November 2026.
Launch of new fuel poverty dataset
Smart data for timely indicators of energy vulnerability. Smart Energy Data Service event on Monday 16 November 2026.
Listening to young people about donating data
Our Smart Data Donation Service works with young people to hear their concerns about data donation.
Featured datasets and tools
A suite of open datasets helping you make sense of climate data neighbourhood by neighbourhood, without the need for specialist skills and software.
The Priority Places for Food Index (PPFI) shows small geographical areas across the UK by how vulnerable they are to increases in the cost of living.
Donated data from thousands of UK residents on their real activity across Google, YouTube, and other platforms, linked to mental health and wellbeing.
Financial Data Service for insights on financial behaviours, economic resilience and regional economic activity.
Geographic Data Service for new insights into equitable and sustainable growth from linked and georeferenced smart data.
Healthy and Sustainable Places Data Service for place-based research on health, lifestyles, and mobility.
Imago – Data Service for Imagery, unlocking the potential of satellite imagery to understand urgent challenges.
Smart Data Donation Service, empowering citizens to take control of their own data and share it safely with researchers.
Smart Energy Data Service, transforming our understanding of the UK’s energy system through integrated data.
What we do
Working with data partners
Smart Data Research UK brings together companies and researchers to unlock the power of smart data for research.
Supporting the research community
We provide researchers with safe access to data to help address broader social, economic and environmental challenges.
Involving the public in our work
Smart Data Research UK prioritises public involvement, transparency, ethics and responsibility.
Featured stories
Can smart data help us spot cold homes?
Category: FellowshipAn SDR UK Fellowship using smart data to understand cold homes and their potential health impacts.
Who is our transport system really built for?
Category: FellowshipAn SDR UK Fellowship using smart data to to map how people travel, and where transport lets them down.
What can a neighbourhood tell us about growing older?
Category: FellowshipAn SDR UK Fellowship using smart data to predict the health and care needs of older people.