Funding will run from 2026-2031 and forms part of a larger £168 million investment from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in the ADR UK initiative, which is an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) hosted programme.  

Using a multi-agency approach to transform the way we use data-driven research to better inform policy, ADR NI combines expertise from both Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University, with data and research specialists from Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).  

Working closely with stakeholders across government as well as service providers, community workers and experts-by-experience, ADR NI has a track record of producing cutting-edge, policy-relevant research and insights in areas such as education, children and young people’s experience of social care, the environment, health, homelessness and the economy.  

ADR NI Co-Director, and Reader in Social Epidemiology from the Centre for Public Health at Queen’s University Belfast, Dr Aideen Maguire, said: “We are delighted to receive this support to build on our work for the next five years. To date, we have produced significant outputs which have helped to shape key areas of policy and service provision and with this renewed investment we can continue to work closely with our stakeholders to identify and amplify crucial areas of research to support the people of Northern Ireland.” 

The renewed investment will allow ADR NI to deepen its current research, continue to lead the way in public engagement and co-production, expand into new policy areas, and to strengthen the vital collaboration between government and academia. 

ADR NI Co-Director, and Chief Executive of NISRA and Registrar General, Dr Philip Wales, said: “This important re-investment in ADR NI will allow us to continue to develop data-driven insights which have real potential to change lives. NISRA are excited to continue this work, building on the momentum gathered in the current investment period.” 

Jamie Murphy, Professor of Psychology at Ulster University and ADR NI Deputy Director, said: "The ADR partnership between Ulster University, Queen’s University Belfast, and NISRA ensures that administrative data research in Northern Ireland is grounded in real-world challenges and co-produced with those who understand them best.

"Over the next five years, we look forward to deepening this work, expanding into new policy areas, and continuing to demonstrate how evidence-based decision-making can deliver meaningful change for communities.” 

Speaking at the time of the announcement of renewed funding to ADR UK, Dr Emma Gordon, Director of ADR UK, said: “We are delighted that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, UKRI and ESRC have confirmed their ongoing support for our vital data linking and research programme. This commitment will ensure the expertise, infrastructure and momentum we have developed since we formed in 2018 will continue to expand for the benefit of all UK nations.

"We look forward to continuing our support and funding for trusted research environments, delivering more important linked datasets for research, and growing our network of accredited researchers to generate unique insights that inform policy change for public good.”