The Data Trusts Initiative is an interdisciplinary programme that pursues research at the interface of technology, policy and the law to better understand the role data trusts can play in addressing the challenges of data governance in the 21st century. As part of its work, the Initiative – which is supported by a donation from the Patrick J McGovern Foundation – is offering research grants for projects that can help bridge the gap between discussions about the potential of data trusts and their practical application. 

Researchers are invited to apply for funding to pursue research in areas where further insights are needed to help develop data trusts. Examples of relevant areas include:

  • Core concepts in data trust design: What core capabilities must sit at the heart of any data trust? What are the incentives for different individuals, groups or organisations to engage with data trusts? 

  • Participation, inclusion and digital equity: Which interventions can help make data trusts accessible to all in society? What mechanisms for participation can ensure that all those in a trust can meaningfully contribute to decision-making?

  • Institutional safeguards: Beyond those safeguards provided by trust law, what mechanisms for accountability would help ensure that a data trust effectively represents those it serves?

  • Finance and economics: What business models could data trusts use to achieve financial sustainability? What interventions would be needed to support a plurality of data trusts?

  • Lessons learned: What lessons from previous research or experience could be applied to advance the development of data trusts? For example, what existing case law or experiences of participatory governance are relevant?

  • Implementation issues: In what areas might there be a demand for data trust, and what use cases could help clarify how data trusts would work in practice? What support will data trustees need to perform their role? How could legal frameworks in civil law jurisdictions be adapted to fulfil the role of data trusts?

Proposals that address issues not covered above, but that are relevant to the design and establishment of data trusts, are also welcome. 

Awards of up to £15,000 will be available. To apply for funding, please  complete and submit the application form here https://forms.gle/4Kuz93xCLMLVrHYH8 by 10:00 am GMT on 29 January

  1. For further information, please review the FAQs below or contact data-trusts@cst.cam.ac.uk.

For further information about the context and areas of interest for the Data Trusts Initiative, please consider the Initiative’s first Working Paper.

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Who is eligible to apply?

Funding is available for research projects across all disciplines. Applications from those working both inside and outside the University of Cambridge are welcome, including those working outside the UK. Project proposals must have a clear link to the development and practical application of data trusts, and we particularly encourage multidisciplinary proposals. 

This funding is suitable for projects that can start immediately or in a very short timescale, with teams that can begin work and achieve successful outcomes within a year. 

How can I apply?

To apply, please submit an application form by 10:00 am GMT on 29 January 2021. The form is available at this link: https://forms.gle/4Kuz93xCLMLVrHYH8

Over what timescale should research be carried out?

Projects are expected to start as soon as possible and report within a year of commencing. Projects should be in a position to present their findings – or interim findings – by September 2021 at a project workshop.

How will my research proposal be evaluated?

Research proposals will be reviewed by a panel and evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:

  • Contribution of the research to addressing key issues in developing and implementing data trusts;

  • Strength of proposal in helping build a community of researchers and practitioners working on data trusts;

  • Deliverability within the proposed timescale.

We particularly encourage bids that bring together different perspectives or disciplines. For a sense of the issues within scope of the funding call, please visit ‘Data Trusts: from theory to practice’.

What outputs are expected from my research? 

Successful applicants will be required to produce a working paper, with executive summary, to be hosted on the Data Trusts Initiative website, which will be presented at a project workshop and reviewed by the project advisory board. 

We expect that funding recipients will be able to publish their final research paper as they see fit, though we ask that they coordinate with the Initiative’s team to help maximise its reach.  

What size of award is available?

Funding awards of up to £15,000 are available, depending on the quality and relevance of the research proposal.