Shaping the Future of Public Health: Swansea University Scholar Honoured for Data Research

Safeguarding Privacy, Advancing Science: Professor Ford’s Contributions to Ethical Health Data

Professor David Ford, a distinguished academic in the field of health data research, has been recognised for his substantial contributions to social science in the United Kingdom. Holding the position of Professor of Informatics and Director of Population Data Science at Swansea University Medical School, he has been instrumental in advancing data-driven methodologies in healthcare and public policy. In acknowledgement of his impact, Professor Ford has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours list. This prestigious accolade highlights his dedication to enhancing health data systems and promoting research that benefits the broader public. His work continues to shape the future of data science within the spheres of public health and governance.

Professor Ford’s research has been pivotal in developing ethical and secure frameworks for the use of health data, ensuring that it benefits society both nationally and internationally. His contributions have reinforced interdisciplinary collaboration between health and social sciences, enabling deeper insights into population-level trends and the influence of social determinants on health outcomes, thereby informing academic discourse and public policy.

Upon receiving the honour, Professor Ford expressed his surprise and gratitude, acknowledging that he had never anticipated such recognition. He described the achievement as a collective success, crediting his colleagues for their dedication and expertise, which have been instrumental in his research advancements.

As co-founder and director of the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank and the Secure e-Research Platform (SeRP), Professor Ford has overseen the management of billions of person-based records. SAIL has become an indispensable resource for population data, facilitating research through its secure, anonymised, and linkable data structure. In 2024, Swansea University was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize in recognition of SAIL’s exceptional contributions to public health and wellbeing.

Beyond his academic and research achievements, Professor Ford is a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (FRSA) and was listed among DataIQ’s 100 most influential people in data and analytics in 2021. He is set to receive his OBE insignia at an investiture ceremony later this year. Professor Ford’s contributions exemplify the transformative potential of data science in shaping evidence-based policies and improving public health. His work stands as a testament to the critical role of ethical data usage in driving positive societal change, reinforcing the importance of transparency, security, and inclusivity in health research.

Editor’s Note:

Professor David Ford’s recognition as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) is a well-deserved honour that highlights his groundbreaking work in health data research. His contributions have shaped the way we use and protect large-scale health data, ensuring it serves the public good while maintaining strict ethical standards. Professor Ford's OBE recognises his significant and lasting influence on data science. His leadership of the SAIL Databank provides a robust framework for secure, anonymised data access, enabling researchers to enhance healthcare and inform beneficial policies. Ford has also effectively connected health and social sciences, demonstrating data's power to reveal insights into public health and social inequalities, thereby shaping evidence-based policy decisions for governments and institutions.

According to Skoobuzz, his contributions will continue to shape the next generation of data scientists, reinforcing the importance of ethical, transparent, and responsible data use.