Celebrating Success
We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the Organisational Excellence Award at the 2024 Office of National Statistics (ONS) Research Excellence Awards. This accolade recognizes DRAGoN’s significant contributions to developing new datasets, tools, and innovative approaches that are transforming UK data services.
Of particular note, DRAGoN has excelled in its work with sensitive data, setting best practices and standards for Trusted Research Environments—secure digital spaces critical for research that informs public policy.
The judges commended UWE DRAGoN for its pivotal role in driving national data transformation through ground-breaking projects such as SACRO (Semi-Automated Checking of Research Output) and WED (Wage and Employment Dynamics).
Spotlight on DRAGoN’s Ground-breaking Projects
Led by Professor Felix Ritchie at the University of the West of England, DRAGoN brings together interdisciplinary expertise and spearheads projects that are reshaping how data is managed and used. Here are some of the outstanding projects that showcase DRAGoN’s impact:
- Wage and Employment Dynamics (WED): Led by Damian Whittard with support from Van Phan, this project combines data from across government to create a robust, unified dataset. Funded by ADR UK
- Semi-Automated Checking of Research Output (SACRO): Led by Jim Smith, with support from Felix Ritchie, Lizzie Green, and many others, this project streamlines data service processes to improve efficiency and reduce stress for output checkers. Funded by Dare UK
- Future Data Service Fellowships: Providing expert guidance and advice to help shape the planning of future data services and infrastructure in the UK. Funded by Economic Social Research Council
- ODYSSEY Project: Led by Lizzie Green with input from Hilary Drew this initiative maps career pathways for data service professionals and sets national standards for safe data access and output checking. Funded by Economic Social Research Council
- National and International Training: DRAGoN has been instrumental in developing and delivering training programs to ensure the highest standards in data access and management. Funded by National Institute for Health Research
We extend our thanks to the ONS for recognizing our work and supporting these transformative projects.
For more information or to connect with us, feel free to reach out to the team—let’s continue advancing innovation in data research and governance together!