Take the Lead: Data Champions opens for 2027

SDR UK is once again supporting Take the Lead: Data Champions, a Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) programme that funds community leaders to explore how data can help improve health and wellbeing in their area.

Up to 20 community leaders across the UK will receive £3,000 each to design and run their own activities. No experience of data or research is needed. HDR UK is looking for people with strong community connections and a willingness to learn.

Applicants must work with at least one of the programme’s priority groups. These include people from low-income or minority ethnic backgrounds, young people, older people, rural communities and people who are digitally excluded. Projects should focus on a health topic such as cancer, heart health, brain health, young people’s mental health, diet, or environment and health.

Mark Gardner, Head of Communications and Public Engagement at SDR UK, said: “Last year showed us how powerfully communities can use data to tell their own health and wellbeing stories, and we’re proud to expand our support this year, empowering communities to lead research that matters to them.”

The programme is run in partnership with DARE UK, SDR UK, Cancer Research UK and the NIHR School for Primary Care Research.

Supporting Take the Lead is part of our wider commitment to inspire and involve the public in smart data research. Find out more about our public engagement work.

Applications close at midday on Monday 2 November 2026. Find out more and apply on the HDR UK website