Researchers
Our mission is to unlock the power of data generated through everyday interactions with digital devices. We help researchers access and use this data safely to understand the way we live and address broader social, economic and environmental challenges.
What we can offer
Smart Data Research UK is a new programme and we are establishing new data services for autumn/winter 2024. When these are up and running, we will provide researchers with:
- access to open datasets that don’t contain any personal or sensitive data
- controlled access to protected safeguarded and secure data
- expert help to understand and explore the data
- research funding opportunities
- training
Access smart data
Datasets can be accessed through our current data centres:
Consumer Data Research Centre is the UK’s leading source of consumer data. It offers data under three tiers: Open, Safeguarded and Secure. Topics include Population & Mobility, Retail Futures, Transport & Movement, Finance & Economy, and Digital.
Urban Big Data Centre is a national data service based at the University of Glasgow. It promotes the use of smart data and innovative research methods to improve social, economic and environmental well-being in cities.
Types of data
Retail and business data
Digital records of the production, distribution and sale of goods and services: :
- store loyalty cards
- checkout scanners
- management information systems
- online shopping transactions
App and web data
Digital traces from human engagement with online services and sites:
- social media
- forums
- apps
- gaming and streaming services
- gambling services
Financial data
Digital transactions and other financial products:
- high street banking transactions
- card payment systems
- digital currencies
- loans
- pensions and other investments
Transport, mobility and infrastructure data
Sensors monitoring the physical environment or the movement of people and objects:
- GPS-enabled devices and vehicles
- communication networks
- sensors in transport networks
- supply chains
- buildings
- environmental sensors
- energy systems
- utility networks
Imagery data
Remote imaging devices:
- satellite imagery
- aerial imagery
- LiDAR
- street-level imagery
- crowdsourced imagery
Smart device and wearables data
Sensors on the body; devices sensing and acting in small-scale environments:
- smart watches
- fitness trackers
- wearable glucose monitors
- smart speakers
Ethics and responsibility
We follow the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible data practices. We ensure data is governed in a trustworthy way for appropriate levels of privacy and full legal compliance.
Learn more about our ethics and responsible data practices.
Discover more
Read some of our case studies illustrating how researchers are working with smart data.