PhD placement scheme: Administrative Data Research (ADR) Wales social care theme

Social Care Wales is offering a PhD placement opportunity as part of their leadership role on the social care theme for the Administrative Data Research (ADR) Wales programme of work.

ADR Wales is part of the ADR UK investment. ADR UK brings together data and approved researchers to enable research that can inform policy decisions and more effective public services.

In Wales, ADR Wales is made up of data science experts, leading academics from Swansea University and Cardiff University and specialist teams within Welsh Government. Together they produce data-driven evidence that can help to shape future policy decisions in Wales.

Who can apply?

Eligible students must be undertaking a PhD on social care at a higher education institution in Wales. The placement can be full time for a three-month period or part time for six months.

Health and Care Research Wales Faculty funded PhD student Amber Browne undertook the placement and said:

“Bridging academic research with policy-driven work is increasingly important in social care. This experience has reinforced for me just how essential research and data are in improving services.”

Read more about Amber's experience.

The aims of the scheme

Social Care Wales is running this placement as part of the ADR Wales work to support and shape social care researchers for the future.

• apply and develop research skills to real-world issues
• gain practical experience of carrying out research in the Welsh public sector
• increase understanding and experience of social care policy and practice in Wales
• develop personal and professional skills that can be applied to future careers
• grow networks and connections amongst academics, policy makers and practitioners.

Areas of work

Successful applicants will be supported to contribute to a diverse programme of work that might include:

• promoting findings from our priority-setting exercise for linked data research
• engaging with our adult social care linked data research group
• writing content that promotes the benefits of linked data research in adult social care
• encouraging the use of the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank
• supporting researchers and stakeholders involved in adult social care data projects
• developing skills in linked data methods.

How to apply

You can apply for this placement through the jobs portal.

The closing date for applications is 25 August 2025.

Please make sure that you have permission from your supervisor, institution and funder before applying for this placement.

For more information on the placement, please contact Jeni Meyrick.