Take the Lead: Data Champions Programme in United Kingdom

The “Take the Lead: Data Champions” grant offers up to £3,000 to community leaders in the UK to engage their communities with the role of data in enhancing health and wellbeing. Funded by Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) and other partners, this initiative aims to build connections and skills in data usage. Applications must be submitted by 2 November 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Health Data Research UK (HDR UK), Cancer Research UK, DARE UK, Smart Data Research UK, NIHR School for Primary Care Research

- Funding Amount: Up to £3,000 per recipient

- Eligible Applicants: Community leaders based in UK community organizations with an organizational bank account

- Application Deadline: 2 November 2026, 12:00 PM

- Project Duration: Activities must occur between 8 February and 20 June 2027

About the Opportunity

Take the Lead: Data Champions” encourages community leaders to design and implement activities that engage their communities with data’s role in health and wellbeing. This program fosters skills development, networking with other leaders, and partnerships with data scientists. The initiative supports activities that inform and empower communities to utilize data effectively. Funding and Benefits

- Financial Support: Up to £3,000 to fund community-engagement activities related to health data.

- Networking: Opportunities to connect with other community leaders and data scientists.

- Skill Development: Gain confidence and skills in using data for community benefit.

Who Is Eligible? - Community leaders from UK-based organizations with an organizational bank account. - Must attend the Data Champions welcome event in Bristol on 23 February 2027. - Able to execute community activities between 8 February and 20 June 2027. - Open to leaders from previous and new applicants, focusing on engaging priority audiences. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas Applicants should design activities exploring data’s role in one or more of these health and wellbeing issues: - Brain health (e.g., dementia, Alzheimer’s) - Cancer - Environment and health (e.g., air pollution) - Heart health - Sustainable and healthy diets - Mental health of young people Why This Opportunity Matters This grant enables community leaders to creatively engage and educate their communities about the crucial role of data in health and wellbeing. By fostering a better understanding of data, communities can enhance their health outcomes and create informed strategies for wellbeing. How to Apply

- Complete the Online Application Form: Submit by 2 November 2026, 12:00 PM.

- Read the Full Guidelines: Access detailed instructions and eligibility criteria in the linked document.

- Prepare for the Welcome Event: Plan to attend the mandatory event on 23 February 2027 in Bristol.

Frequently Asked Questions - What types of data can communities use? Communities can utilize national statistics, personal health journals, data from NHS appointments, fitness trackers, and environmental data, among others. - Who are the priority audiences? People from low socio-economic backgrounds, minority ethnic backgrounds, those aged 11–25 or over 65 in deprived areas, rural inhabitants, and those experiencing digital exclusion. - What are key dates to remember? Application deadline: 2 November 2026, Welcome event: 23 February 2027, Project period: 8 February to 20 June 2027. - Will HDR UK collect our health data? No, the focus is on how communities can utilize their own and relevant external data for health insights. Next Steps Eligible leaders should review the official guidelines thoroughly and proceed with the application process before the deadline. For inquiries, contact procurement@hdruk.ac.uk.