Emma Wade introduces the ONS Research Excellence Awards which are back for 2026, celebrating the people and projects using secure data to generate new insights, inform policy, and deliver public good.
Across the UK, researchers, analysts, data creators and government teams are harnessing the power of ONS-managed data to tackle some of society’s biggest challenges.
From improving health and education outcomes to strengthening understanding of crime, inequality and the economy, these awards recognise the people and research that makes a difference.
Whether you’re creating innovative datasets, advancing research methods, or producing evidence that shapes decision-making, the awards are an opportunity to showcase your impact and celebrate your achievements.
Why apply?
Recognition through the ONS Research Excellence Awards can have lasting benefits – we spoke to some of the past winners to see how winning an award has impacted them:
Raising the profile of research
“Winning the award has helped us to further disseminate our research findings. It was also great to share news of the Award with organisations and individuals who kindly supported our research project.”
– Rob Higham, People’s Choice Award Winner
Recognising collaboration and impact
“We were incredibly proud to receive the Government-led Impact of Analysis Award. This recognition highlights the power of linking data and working collaboratively across government to generate evidence that informs policy and improves outcomes. It is particularly rewarding to see our research helping to strengthen understanding of the relationship between health and economic well-being.”
– Emma Sharland, Government-led Impact of Analysis Award winner
These experiences demonstrate how the awards not only celebrate excellence but also help amplify research, strengthen partnerships, and showcase the real-world impact of secure data research.
You can read more about the 2025 ONS Research Excellent Awards.
Award categories
This year’s awards recognise excellence across the research lifecycle:
- Impact of Analysis Award – recognising research that delivers public benefit through outstanding analysis, collaboration and communication.
- Government-led Impact of Analysis Award – celebrating impactful, collaborative projects led by UK government departments.
- ADR UK Excellence in Methods Award – recognising innovation and excellence in research methods.
- Data Creation Award – for those who have developed, enhanced or prepared secure datasets for use in Trusted Research Environments.
- ONS People’s Choice Award – decided by a public vote from all eligible entries.
Apply now
If your project has created, enabled, or used ONS-managed data within a Trusted Research Environment we encourage you to apply.
Nominations are now open and will close at midnight on 6 September 2026.
Winners will be announced at the ONS Secure Research Conference on 24 November 2026, where we will celebrate the latest achievements in secure data research and hear from those making an impact across the UK.
For more information and to submit an application, visit the Research Excellence Awards webpage.
Let’s celebrate the people, partnerships and research using secure data to make a real difference.
About the author
Emma is the Senior Analytical Impact lead for the Secure Research Service at the Office for National Statistics.
Emma has a background in social research and has worked at ONS for over 3 years. Her team focuses on measuring and communicating the impact of research using ONS controlled data assets.
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