Providing a local point to access secure data means that, for researchers, we can create research findings, and therefore outputs, more quickly.
Accessing data from different data centres in one location is efficient and enables exciting new data linkages.
Knowing there is equitable access to high computing power on your doorstep is also extremely empowering.
Improved evidence for decision-making
Improving the quality, range, and efficiency of usa rcs data research outputs ultimately leads to improved evidence for policy and practice, enabling decision-makers to better deliver interventions for the public good.
A word from the SafePod Network manager
I asked Darren Lightfoot, the SafePod Network manager for his thoughts:
‘It is great to read about Sarah’s positive experience of using a SafePod to access her research data. I hope the SafePod Network will be of benefit to many more researchers across the UK to provide equitable access to data and help vital research for the public good.
The SafePod Network went live in September 2021 and has come a long way since its launch. We have grown the number of SafePods available to book from 5 to 15, and this is set to hit 24 by the end of the 2022.
We are supporting researchers to access and use SafePods and one of our key objectives was to remove geographical barriers for researchers to be able to access data through the provision of SafePods across the UK.
I am delighted to say that each month we are increasing the number of researchers registering with the network and booking SafePods to access data for their research. There are now also over 100 trained SafePod Coordinators in the UK that provide the operational management for SafePods.