About us

The Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research (SCADR) analyses data from across the public sector, exploring what linking it in new ways can reveal. 

Our centre is comprised of researchers from a range of leading institutions across Scotland including: Edinburgh Napier University, Heriot-Watt University, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde and University of St Andrews.

The centre is hosted at the University of Edinburgh and is led by Professor Chris Dibben and our co-directors, who bring a range of interdisciplinary expertise in social sciences, data analysis and data linkage. Our research uses administrative data to examine issues from across society in Scotland and the UK, including children’s lives and outcomes, crime and justice, health and social care, work and the environment.

The SCADR team:

  • deliver cutting-edge applied research with real-world impact;
  • create innovative new data methods, linkages and cohorts;
  • improve access to data and builds researcher capacity.

ADR Scotland 

SCADR together with their partner the Scottish Government's Data for Research Unit form ADR Scotland. We are funded by UKRI / ESRC, as part of the ADR UK (Administrative Data Research UK) partnership. Our directors are Professor Chris Dibben (University of Edinburgh) and Alastair McAlpine, Chief Statistician (Scottish Government).

ADR Scotland works with four delivery bodies:

Policy-driven research

ADR Scotland’s research programmes aim to create insights primarily about the Scottish population and circumstances. Our research is aligned to Scotland’s National Performance Framework and Programme for Government where priorities include: equalities; vulnerable people and families (including care experienced children); understanding the causes of drug deaths; inclusive growth; health and wellbeing; and protecting and enhancing the environment.

Our mission and strategy

ADR Scotland’s investment in data linkage infrastructure and capacity seeks to enable vital research to better inform policy and public services utilising Scotland’s wealth of public sector data. To read more about our strategic goals and objectives, please read ADR Scotland's strategy.