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, 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 and Scottish Government's Data for Research, Platforms and Legislation Unit form ADR Scotland. 

ADR Scotland is 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).

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); inclusive growth; and protecting and enhancing the environment.

Our vision is for ESRC’s investment to allow ADR Scotland to build a data linkage infrastructure with access to de-identified data from across Scottish government departments and public services, which enables accredited researchers to conduct essential administrative data research, to better inform policy and public services, resulting in changes that will benefit the public and have a positive impact on society.​

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 mission, goals and objectives, please read our ADR Scotland strategy. 

Our mission is for ADR Scotland to enable vital research, by utilising Scotland’s wealth of public sector data to better inform policy and public services. ADR Scotland works with four delivery bodies:​
  • Research Data Scotland (RDS) - a charitable organisation working to improve access to secure datasets and enable research in the public good that will inform policymakers and government.
  • Public Health Scotland (PHS) - bringing together and sharing data and intelligence to shape decisions affecting health. The Electronic Data Research and Innovation Service (eDRIS) is part of PHS. 
  • National Records of Scotland (NRS) - enables data to be de-identified for data linkage in Scotland in collaboration with our delivery partners PHS (eDRIS) and EPCC.
  • EPCC - a centre for high performance computing at University of Edinburgh which provides the IT infrastructure for Scotland's National Safe Haven (a Trusted Research Environment).