Left to right: Professor Simon Thompson, Professor Lucy Griffiths, Professor David Ford OBE and Stephanie Howarth
ADR Wales announces the retirement of its Co‑Director, Professor David Ford OBE. David has been a central figure in the development of linked data research across the UK and internationally, and is widely recognised as a pioneering influence in creating the safe technologies, platforms and governance frameworks that underpin secure, ethical data use today.
As one of the founding directors of the SAIL Databank, David’s leadership has helped shape one of the world’s most respected trusted research environments. His work has been fundamental to the growth of data linkage at Swansea University, the development of world‑class data‑intensive research capability across Wales, and the long‑term success of the ADR Wales investment.
David steps down as the current investment window concludes, ahead of the next phase of ADR Wales funding beginning 1 April 2026 and running through to 2031.
The transition signals a renewed strategic focus for ADR Wales, with a leadership team bringing deep expertise in academic research, national policy and statistics, and technological infrastructure.
Professor Lucy Griffiths, former lead of ADR Wales’ social justice and health and well-being themes of work has been appointed ADR Wales Co-Director, leading on academic research. Building on a distinguished career at the forefront of population science she has played a central role in delivering high‑impact ADR Wales projects. Lucy is a Professor of Epidemiology, and provides strategic leadership across major UK research investments, managing a range of health and social science administrative data programmes. Lucy is Principal Investigator co-leading a multi-disciplinary team for MAGENTA, a Wellcome Trust programme on heat exposure and maternal health; Co-lead for an ADR England Community Catalyst initiative – advancing use of ADR flagship datasets and developing a UK-wide children’s administrative data research strategy; Co‑Investigator for COMFT, an ESRC-funded project examining child outcomes for mothers involved in the criminal and family justice system; and Welsh Study Director for the new UK-wide ESRC birth cohort study.
Stephanie Howarth will remain as a leading figure in ADR Wales and the ADR UK investment, continuing her role as ADR Wales Co‑Director leading on policy and analytical engagement. As Chief Statistician for Wales, Stephanie provides deep insight into evidence needs across government and brings national‑level expertise in policy‑relevant analysis. Her leadership will continue to ensure ADR Wales maintains strong connections between Welsh Government and the research community, providing research and insight that directly informs real‑world decision‑making. With a focus on commitment to transparency, ethical standards and public value, Stephanie’s analytical leadership strengthens ADR Wales’ position as a trusted partner in policy support.
Professor Simon Thompson will move into the role of ADR Wales Co‑Director, focusing on technology and infrastructure. As Director of both the SAIL Databank and DPUK, Simon brings internationally recognised expertise in large‑scale trusted research environments, secure computational technologies, data governance and privacy‑protecting infrastructure, and the delivery of complex, national‑level data platforms. Simon’s appointment ensures ADR Wales position as an authority on cutting edge of the technology that enables safe, secure and scalable research.
Together, ADR Wales’ Co-Directors combined expertise reflects a renewed alignment with ADR UK’s core strengths, policy, academic research and technological innovation, and reinforces Wales’ reputation as a safe haven for trusted, ethical, high‑impact research.
Professor David Ford: “I am delighted to be stepping back at such a positive point for ADR Wales, and to be handing over to such extremely competent and inspiring colleagues. The programme is entering an exciting new era of investment and opportunity, and I am confident that Stephanie, Lucy and Simon will continue to strengthen all that is great within ADR Wales and ADR UK. It has been an honour to contribute to this work, and I know the future of data‑enabled research in Wales is in exceptionally good hands.”
Dr Emma Gordon, Director of ADR UK: “David’s contribution to ADR UK has been truly significant. His leadership, expertise and unwavering commitment to safe and impactful data linkage research have played a major role in shaping where we are today. He has helped position ADR Wales, and Wales more broadly, as a front‑runner in the UK and internationally. As we move into the next investment period, the new leadership team brings renewed vigour, enthusiasm and focus to what Wales does best: combining world‑class research, policy impact and cutting‑edge infrastructure to deliver safe data use for the public good.”
Professor David Ford’s career has forged a legacy defined by innovation, collaboration and an unwavering commitment to safe, ethical research. His work has created a pathway for many colleagues across ADR Wales, SAIL Databank, Swansea University and the wider research community.
From everyone at ADR Wales and ADR UK, thank you David, we wish you the very best for a long and fulfilling retirement.