Research Capability 2025

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) are delighted to be hosting our annual Research Capability 2025 conference.

This free, in-person event will take place on Thursday 4 December in St Paul's, London, bringing together researchers, data owners, government representatives, and policy makers to celebrate and share research excellence. It also aims to raise awareness of how the ONS’s wealth of data can be accessed and used through platforms such as the Secure Research Service.

This year’s theme is ‘Research for the public good’. Join us to explore how research can be designed, conducted, and applied to benefit the public and improve lives.

We are excited to announce the keynote speaker:

Alan Smith leads the Financial Times's newsroom team of data reporters and visual journalists. A data visualisation specialist, his TEDx talk Why You Should Love Statistics was featured on TED.com in 2017.

Alan is the author of How Charts Work, a handbook on designing with data using the Financial Times's principles. He is also Honorary Professor of Practice at University College London's Social Data Institute.

Before he joined the Financial Times, he was head of digital content at the Office for National Statistics where he was awarded an OBE in 2011 for services to official statistics.

Alan will share insights on how data and storytelling can shape public understanding and drive societal impact.

Delegates can look forward to:

• A complimentary lunch provided on the day
• Opportunities to network with peers and professionals
• A selection of tailored workshops
• Stalls from ADR UK, DARE, ONS and more.

Agenda for the day:

• 9:15am – 9:45am | Registration​

• 9:45am – 10:15am | Welcome and highlights

• 10:15am – 11:00am | Keynote speech​ – Alan Smith

• 11:00am – 11:15am | Coffee​

• 11:15am – 12:30pm | Workshops​

• 12:30pm – 1:30pm | Lunch​

• 1:30pm – 1:45pm | Awards welcome

• 1:45pm – 2:30pm | Awards ceremony

• 2:30pm – 2:45pm | Coffee​

• 2:45pm – 4:00pm | Information sessions with Q&A

• 4:00pm – 4:15pm | Closing remarks

• 4:15pm – 5:00pm | Networking​

Tickets are free but places are limited. Secure your spot and book now.

This year’s Research Capability conference will feature the awards presentation celebrating the winners of the ONS Research Excellence Awards.

The awards recognise outstanding and innovative analyses using ONS-owned or managed data, showcasing the public good achieved through statistical insight.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Leonardo Royal London St Paul's, 10 Godliman Street, London, United Kingdom