Amazon Web Services (AWS) is to provide around £8 million for cloud computing storage for UK Biobank, to help ensure that the database “has the cloud infrastructure it needs to securely store and handle” its health data.
Described as “a database of in-depth genetic, health and lifestyle information from half a million UK volunteers”, the Biobank is said to offer an “unparalleled volume” of data. It is accessed for approved researchers through the UK Biobank Research Analysis platform, hosted by AWS, and aims to support research into new diagnostics, treatments and cures for diseases such as cancer and dementia.
John Davies, director for the UK public sector at AWS, commented that the use of cloud infrastructure “will also help UK Biobank unlock the benefits of more advanced digital capabilities such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, which will further speed-up research advancements in healthcare”.
With the UK government to match AWS’s investment and initial funding of £32 million, the new contribution brings total investment in the initiative to almost £50 million.
Spotlight on data and research
HTN has recently reported on the launch of a collaborative research initiative called Prostate Progress which will see the NHS Research Secure Data Environment linking pseudonymised clinical data with patient-reported outcomes, enabling researchers to access “rich, integrated datasets” about prostate cancer care and experiences.
Data was also highlighted in Royal United Hospitals Bath’s research strategy for 2024, which noted how “the digital explosion in healthcare provides us with much data” and outlining the use of this data to support the trust’s key strategic priorities as “core business”.
At the beginning of July, the All-Island eHealth Hub for Cancer shared a progress update on its data research project, highlighting the value of effective data sharing, computer code, and the employment of digital health expertise when it comes to identifying diagnostic methods and targeted treatments for cancer.
Funding from Innovate UK has also supported research into how post-market intelligence can be utilised for the safe acceleration of medical device adoption, with a network of organisations on board to explore opportunities for connecting new and enhanced sources of data on device safety and performance.
And earlier in the week, we highlighted how five new quantum research hubs are to be launched in the UK with an investment of £100 million from the UK government, tasked with developing quantum technology for industries including healthcare.
