OpenSAFELY

What is OpenSAFELY?

OpenSAFELY is a secure, privacy‑preserving analytics platform that enables approved researchers to analyse NHS electronic health records at scale, without ever accessing identifiable patient information. 

OpenSAFELY is now open to non‑COVID research, creating a time‑limited opportunity to securely analyse near‑real‑time, whole‑population NHS primary care data at unprecedented scale. For kidney research in particular, this unlocks access to GP data that has historically been inaccessible, enabling earlier detection, evaluation of risk tools, health equity analyses, and rapid generation of policy‑relevant evidence.  

NHS England is now accepting applications for using OpenSAFELY until pm, 30 April 2026. After this date, the initial submission window will close. NHS England will charge project teams an annual licence fee of £25,000 to use the OpenSAFELY Service.   

Project support

Kidney Research UK is keen to support a small number of high‑impact driver projects that may benefit from accessing the OpenSAFELY Service in the current submission window. 

• Support through the 2026 OpenSAFELY fund is for projects that have submitted an application to use OpenSAFELY in the current window - by 30 April. 
• Support is limited to NHS England fees and will not cover any other project costs.
• Projects do not need to be otherwise funded by Kidney Research UK. 
• Funding is likely to be competitive and will be allocated on the basis of strategic alignment with the Kidney Research UK Research Strategy.    

Application information

The fund will be open for applications from the 15 April 2026 to the 15 May 2026.

To apply, please send your OpenSAFELY application as a PDF to nurture@kidneyresearchuk.org with the subject line ‘OpenSAFELY 2026 – Lead Investigator Name’.

Applicants will be notified of outcome by the 10 June 2026.