ADR Scotland: 2026-2031 investment
ADR Scotland’s ambition for 2026–2031 is to facilitate improvements to our trusted data research infrastructure and strengthen links between research, policy and public services to enable timely academic insights that support decisions that can improve outcomes for the people of Scotland.
Working as a unified partnership, our focus is on delivering research for public good through five strategic research themes:
- Children and young people
- Crime and justice
- Health, mental health and social care
- Housing and environment
- Work, welfare and the economy
Our research projects under these themes, align with Scotland key priorities laid out in the National Performance Framework, the Programme for Government and emerging Areas of Research Interest (ARIs). They also respond to cross-cutting priorities on Prevention, Poverty, Equality and Evaluation. Over the next five years, we plan to build further opportunities for research by connecting academics and government through Data Impact Groups and sharing knowledge through Communities of Practice.
Increasing visibility through flagship data provision
A significant focus will be on developing flagship datasets to increase the visibility and usage of administrative data in Scotland. ADR Scotland plans to cultivate knowledge and stimulate demand for our existing flagships, explore emerging opportunities and develop new ones in strategic research areas (such as Adult Health, Social Care and Census, and Housing, Health and Environment Scotland).
Supporting researchers through documents and tools
Work is already underway to enhance support for researchers through improved data documentation and tools, and a review of our training offer. Investment in innovation, including geospatial analysis, household linkage, family reconstruction and causal AI, will enable richer and more impactful analysis. We will also make Scotland’s data infrastructure more efficient and sustainable by modernising data processing, automating workflows, and improving cloud-based systems.
Communicating with the public
Our new ADR Scotland website will provide a central information point for both current and developing work. Alongside this, we will continue to build public trust through meaningful engagement, transparency and collaboration, ensuring the responsible use of data remains at the heart of everything we do. Through our Scotland Talks Data panel, events programme and wider engagement activities, we will support informed public dialogue about the use of data for public good.
Ultimately, we aim to increase the use of administrative data, expand research capacity, deliver greater policy impact and position Scotland as a leader in data-informed innovation.
