Baroness Nicola Blackwood appointed Chair of the government’s new Health Data Research Service
Baroness Nicola Blackwood has been appointed Chair of the government’s new Health Data Research Service (HDRS). The HDRS will transform how researchers and innovators access health and care data across the UK by providing a secure single access point to national-scale datasets.
Currently, obtaining health data can be slow, complex, and fragmented. The service will streamline these processes while upholding rigorous safeguards for data security, privacy and ethical oversight, enabling approved researchers to accelerate the discovery of new treatments that will improve patient care.
Baroness Blackwood became Chair of Genomics England in May 2020, and her leadership has been pivotal in advancing genomic medicine and fostering collaboration across the UK health and research ecosystem.
Baroness Blackwood is a recognised leader in life sciences and innovation. She is also Chair of Oxford University Innovation, and serves on the boards of biotechnology company BioNTech and investment fund RTW Biotech Opportunities.
I would like to congratulate Baroness Blackwood on her appointment, which recognises her continued commitment to advancing health data innovation. As Chair of the new Health Data Research Service, she will play a vital role in shaping its vision and ensuring it delivers secure, streamlined access to health data for researchers. This service is a critical step for the UK’s life sciences sector, accelerating discoveries that improve patient care and strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in health research.
Dr Rich Scott
CEO, Genomics England
