2025 Agenda

Secure Data Environment: transforming health planning and research in Greater Manchester

12 Jun 2025
Life sciences and research theatre
Digital, AI, data and technology , Innovation, life sciences and research

Greater Manchester’s Secure Data Environment (GM SDE) is designed to unlock the potential of health data to support advanced research and development in health and care while ensuring the highest standards of data protection and governance.

The GM SDE is more than just a data repository. It’s a highly secure and innovative platform that provides access to a wealth of health data from the GM care record and other vital datasets.

Whether it's clinical trials, AI development, real-world studies or epidemiological research, the GM SDE ensures that data can be used safely and responsibly to benefit the population of Greater Manchester and beyond.

The platform is backed by £2.5 million from NHS England, ensuring its development as a leading resource for health research. Researchers can rely on the SDE to provide the infrastructure, tools and governance needed to conduct pioneering studies that translate into real-world health improvements.

This session will draw on case studies, focusing on the use of advanced data analytics to detect early signs of diabetes and heart failure, pre-emptive genetic testing to optimise medication use across Greater Manchester, and managing long-term cancer survivors and optimising lung cancer screening for underserved communities.

Zharain Bawa
Dr Zharain Bawa, Greater Manchester Secure Data Environment Product Director - Health Innovation Manchester
Gareth Thomas
Dr Gareth Thomas, Digital Innovation Director - Health Innovation Manchester & NHS Greater Manchester
Saima Arif
Dr Saima Arif, Research Fellow - University of Manchester