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News : Office for National Statistics Research Excellence Awards now accepting submissions from the Integrated Data Service

Research Excellence Awards logo

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) Research Excellence Awards are a way to recognise and reward innovative research and outstanding public impact.

At the height of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Professor Sinead Langan (Wellcome Senior Clinical Fellow and Professor), and colleagues from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, conducted the COVID-19 Schools Infection Survey.

This work won the ONS Research Excellence Award in 2022 and saw Professor Langan and her team presented with the coveted prize for their landmark achievement.

The COVID-19 Schools Infection Survey involved 156 schools and 22,585 participants. The data provided evidence for control measures to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 within and from schools, allowing schools to stay open while reducing the prevalence of the virus.

It is a fitting example of the type of work that is recognised in the ONS Research Excellence Awards and saw the team receive esteemed praise from colleagues for their hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication.

The ONS Research Excellence Awards 2024

After a break in 2023, the ONS Research Excellence Awards are back and now receiving submissions.

For the first time, this year’s awards will also accept submissions from research projects carried out within the Integrated Data Service (IDS).

Recently, Callum Barnes (External Communications Manager, IDS) sat down with Mairisa Spiers from the ONS Research Excellence Awards team, to learn more about the awards.

What are the ONS Research Excellence Awards 2024?

Each year, around 300 projects gain approval to access the secure data held within ONS’ Trusted Research Environments for statistical research. The research outcomes inform a diverse range of important issues.

Established in 2018, the awards recognise the excellent and innovative analyses carried out and promote best practice research methodologies – that’s specific procedures and techniques being used – and data matching or linking. They promote greater awareness and understanding of the data made available and the public good achieved from analyses of the data.

How is the IDS involved?

The IDS is an innovative cross-government project, with the ONS leading on its delivery. It works closely with partners across government, the devolved administrations, and the research community.

This year, we are proud to partner with the IDS to host the awards and accept submissions from research projects carried out on the IDS platform.

We hope the IDS users will share their achievements with us.

Who can apply for the awards?

Submissions are only accepted from accredited researchers - trained and trusted users - who can enter their (and their team’s) own project.

Additionally, the principal analyst on a project can nominate others.

How many awards are there?

There are six different awards up for grabs. Winners for five categories will be chosen by an independent judging panel made up of experts from across the research community. You can learn more about the different categories on the ONS website (opens in a new tab) 

Can non-accredited researchers get involved?

Absolutely! As I mentioned earlier, only five of the six award categories are chosen by an independent judging panel.

The People’s Choice Award offers everyone, including members of the public, colleagues, and other researchers, the opportunity to read the submissions, and cast their vote.

It’s the ideal opportunity to learn how secure data is being used to make a real difference.

When do submissions close?

Submissions close at midnight on Friday 18 October 2024.

Winners will be invited to attend a virtual Research Excellence Awards event and ceremony on Wednesday 4 December 2024.

We look forward to reading the submissions.

The ONS Research Excellence Awards are now open

You can learn more about the awards on the ONS website (opens in a new tab)  or contact Mairisa and the ONS Research Excellence Awards 2024 team for more information (opens in a new tab) 

Good luck to everyone submitting their project.