Usher Connects: The Sudlow Review – Uniting the UK’s Health Data: Implications for Scotland

The session marked the appointment of Professor Cathie Sudlow as Director of the Usher Institute and built on her landmark publication, The Sudlow Review: Uniting the UK’s Health Data.

Exploring the future of health data

Professor Sarah Cunningham-Burley opened the event, before Professor Cathie Sudlow gave a brief presentation around The Sudlow Review: Uniting the UK’s Health Data with specific reference to the Scottish context.

Cathie was then joined by a panel of experts – Kathy Harrison (DataLoch), Professor Roger Halliday (Research Data Scotland) and Dr Christian Cole (University of Dundee). Together, discussing key themes such as cross-border data collaboration, infrastructure investment, and public trust.

Engaging discussion and audience input

The audience, joining both in person and online, contributed to a lively Q&A, with questions for all the panellists.

The event provided a valuable forum for researchers, policymakers, industry, and public contributors to exchange perspectives – engaging in networking and dialogue – on how UK-wide investment in data infrastructure can drive impact in Scotland and beyond.

Following the discussion, in-person attendees enjoyed a networking reception in the newly opened Usher Building at Edinburgh BioQuarter – a space designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and real-world impact.

If you missed the session or would like to revisit the discussion, a recording of the event is now available.

Further information 

View the recording and resources available from the Sudlow Review | Uniting the UK's Health Data: Implications for Scotland | Usher Connects | Usher Institute

Read the Sudlow Review | HDR UK

Register for our next Usher Connects event | Usher Institute Annual Lecture & Showcase 2025