Life saving research
NHS data is powering research that leads to new treatments, faster diagnoses, and better care for all.
Secure access to the world's largest healthcare data sets through the NHS Research Secure Data Environment (SDE) Network provides researchers with the vital information they need to improve care, develop new treatments, and ultimately, save lives. The SDE Network powers world-class research, benefiting patients and communities by enabling studies that were previously impossible - and making the NHS a global leader for life sciences, research, and health data innovation.
Discover the stories behind the data and find out how health research is saving lives right now.
News
Health data research improving care: updates from the Secure Data Environment Network.
Innovative project to improve road safety is part of new national strategy
The PRANA project, working with Wessex SDE, has been formally recognised in the Department for Transport’s new National Road Safety Strategy.
Pioneering projects set to show the value of data
Funding has been awarded to 8 collaborative research partnerships with the potential to deliver a major impact for patients.
Combining expertise to tackle fragmentation in health and care data
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children are working with KMS SDE to improve how health and care data is used for research.
Powerful moments, powered by NHS data
Short videos showing real examples of how patient data is saving lives and transforming care for all.
Using data to transform prostate cancer research
Combining clinical data with patient experiences has the potential to revolutionise prostate cancer treatment and care.
How patient data transformed a researcher's work into his son's lifeline
Matt Sydes, from NHS DigiTrials, describes the crucial connection between clinical research and its real-life impact.
How data helps protect children from sudden cardiac death
How the NHS and the British Heart Foundation are working together to protect young people from cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death.
Watch more examples of health data being used to benefit patients.
Case studies
Examples of how research, powered by NHS data, is helping to improve care and save lives.
Eliminating hepatitis C by 2030
Research is improving triaging and targeting of at-risk groups to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2030.
Protecting people with diabetes from heart attacks and strokes
Medication is being tested that will protect against heart attacks, strokes and circulatory problems in people with type 2 diabetes.
Improving heart failure diagnosis and outcomes
How artificial intelligence (AI) can improve heart failure diagnosis, improve outcomes and save the NHS £100m.
Discover more examples of the NHS Research SDE Network supporting health research to improve diagnosis, care and outcomes for patients.
Blogs
Our experts explain how we are using data to drive research and improve NHS and care services.
How collaboration is helping drive improved public health and patient care
How collaboration is shaping the NHS Research SDE Network to meet the needs of researchers and bring benefits for patients.
How NHS England Secure Data Environment is accelerating healthcare research
Read how the NHS England Secure Data Environment is powering life-saving research and treatments.
Last edited: 7 May 2026 2:14 pm