UKRI invests £59m to give researchers access to ‘smart data’

Approved researchers will be handed everyday data, such as from phone apps and social media

UK Research and Innovation, the national funding agency, is ploughing £59 million into an initiative for everyday “smart data” to be handed over to researchers in a “safe and secure” way.

The six-year programme is expected to help with the cost of living, improve public health and social care, stimulate growth and work towards the UK’s sustainability goals.