New Fellowship will help predict health and social care needs of older population

Made possible by funding from Smart Data Research UK, the new Fellowship will use neighbourhood-level and existing data to help predict how health needs (physical, mental or social) change as people age at home. This will help councils, health services and policymakers plan more effectively so that older people can live healthier, more independent lives at home. 

 Dr Richard Green from the School of Health Sciences at the University of Surrey said: 

 “Supporting the health needs of our ageing population is costly, both in terms of resources and finances. It is important that our health services and councils have the resources to forecast how to facilitate and deliver such care. Having access to this new smart data and combining it with existing data will help us identify the needs of our ageing population, helping to enable them to continue living at home.” 

 This Fellowship is one of 15 awarded by Smart Data Research UK, which addresses some of the most pressing challenges in the UK and each recipient will receive up to £200,000 to deliver their project. 

 Joe Cuddeford, Director of Smart Data Research UK, said: 

 “Smart data is a valuable UK asset that remains underused for public good. These Fellowships support researchers who can turn that potential into practical impact – from earlier health interventions to fairer energy transitions and action to reduce cost-of-living pressures. We are proud to support a cohort that demonstrates how responsible data use can advance knowledge, drive growth, and improve lives.”