ONS Research Excellence award win for UWE Bristol data research group
UWE Bristol’s Data Research, Access, and Governance Network (DRAGoN) has been honoured with the Organisational Excellence Award at the 2024 Office of National Statistics (ONS) Research Excellence Awards.
The award recognises DRAGoN's groundbreaking contributions to UK data services, particularly in developing innovative datasets, tools, and approaches to data research and governance.
Led by Professor Felix Ritchie, the team has made significant strides in transforming national data management through critical projects such as Wage and Employment Dynamics (WED) and Semi-Automated Checking of Research Output (SACRO).
The judges specifically commended DRAGoN's pioneering work in Trusted Research Environments, highlighting the team's ability to set best practices for secure digital research spaces. Their projects, including the Future Data Service Fellowships and ODYSSEY Project, demonstrate a vast impact and comprehensive approach to improving data infrastructure and professional development in the field.
Professor of Applied Economics within the College of Business and Law at UWE Bristol, Felix Ritchie said: “This is a great achievement for the whole team. DRAGoN has been a significant actor in the development of the UK and international data landscape for many years, leading the world in theories of confidential data management, protocols, operating guides and software tools that directly affect research capability across health and social sciences. We work in the background and the researchers which depend on our work rarely notice it, so I’m very pleased with this wider recognition of the team’s efforts.”
DRAGoN has been at the forefront of developing national and international training programs around data management, ensuring the highest standards in data access and management. The team's interdisciplinary expertise has positioned them as leaders in driving innovation and efficiency in data research and governance.
For more information about DRAGoN, click here.
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