Public Dialogue report

SDR UK Public Dialogue report findings

In May 2025, Smart Data Research UK and UK Research and Innovation’s Sciencewise programme published findings from their first nationwide public dialogue on smart data research.

During 2024, we conducted our first comprehensive public dialogue to understand people’s hopes, concerns, and expectations regarding smart data research.

Working with public engagement specialists Sciencewise and facilitated by Thinks Insight & Strategy, we engaged 72 diverse participants across five UK locations (Belfast, Gateshead, Inverness, London, and Newport) through a series of workshops held over four weeks between September and October 2024.

What we learned from our public dialogue

Key findings

1. Growing enthusiasm with understanding

While participants began with limited knowledge of smart data research and some initial scepticism, their enthusiasm grew significantly as they learned more about its potential to drive positive change.

2. Focus on real-world impact

Participants wanted smart data research to tackle major national challenges including social inequality, health, economic issues, and infrastructure. They valued both the scale (number of people affected) and size (potential benefit) of outcomes.

3. Importance of data quality and inclusivity

High-quality and inclusive data were seen as vital for ensuring research benefits all communities fairly. Participants expressed concern about how flawed or incomplete datasets could lead to biased outcomes.

4. Private sector collaboration

While initially sceptical of private sector motivations, participants became more comfortable when public benefit was clearly prioritised and safeguards were explained.

5. Security concerns addressed by safeguards

Learning about existing frameworks like the Five Safes significantly increased participants’ comfort with smart data research, shifting focus from general security worries to specific oversight mechanisms.

6. Desire for meaningful public involvement

Participants valued the opportunity to shape smart data research priorities and definitions of public benefit, while recognising that technical matters might be better left to experts.

Core values

Throughout the dialogue, four key values emerged as drivers of public trust in smart data research:

Knowledge

Active information sharing about smart data research work and impact

Transparency

Openness about data collection, sharing, and use

Oversight and accountability

Robust implementation and monitoring of safeguards

Public benefit

Demonstrable positive change in people’s lives

Our response

As Director Joe Cuddeford notes in his foreword to the report:

“As we move forward, we’re implementing several concrete actions. We’re clearly articulating the robust data governance frameworks we use – like the Five Safes. We are establishing transparent oversight mechanisms and creating clear channels for public involvement. We’re developing ways to explain our work (including technical concepts) that resonate more effectively with the public.”