SOCRATES
About the project
The UK Data Service SecureLab provides secure access to highly sensitive data. Currently, all researcher outputs using SecureLab data are subject to rigorous manual privacy checks before they can be released. SOCRATES (Scaling Output Checking, Release and Accreditation in Trusted Research Environments) is testing new ways of introducing semi-automation into this process, piloting tools that can speed up disclosure checks and reduce the burden on specialist staff.
Project duration
The project is due to run from August 2025 to October 2026.
UK Data Service contribution
This project is being led by the UK Data Service.
Project outputs
By the end of the project, SOCRATES will:
- Deliver evidence on how semi-automated output checking can be adopted to improve the efficiency of Trusted Research Environment (TRE) workflows without compromising security or compliance.
- Evaluate the semi-automated research output checking tool developed through TREvolution against the SATRE (Standardised Architecture for Trusted Research Environments) specification and existing accreditation requirements (such as the Digital Economy Act Accredited Processing Environment accreditation).
- Make recommendations for embedding these approaches into standard TRE processes, supporting the move from testing to business-as-usual.
- Uncover insights into the changes to governance and operational models required for wider adoption.