About Data Matters 2026
Turn the data you collect every day into a valuable strategic asset that drives impactful change and long-term resilience.
Our Data Matters 2026 event took place on 21 January 2026. As the sector’s vital partner for data, we combined our expertise in data strategy, governance and innovation, to deliver an event that offered a uniquely joined-up view of the challenges and opportunities facing education and research.
Over the course of the day, we heard from experts, learned from your peers, and engaged in real-time problem solving with counterparts from across the country. Data Matters 2026 is the essential event for senior leaders shaping the future of education and research through data.
A carefully curated programme
From strategic vision to intelligent infrastructure and empowered people, our programme provided you with the insight, connections and confidence to lead with clarity and impact.
Key themes were:
- Strategic vision and leadership: how data and AI support long-term thinking, ethical leadership and purposeful innovation
- Intelligent foundations: the infrastructure, processes and governance to support sustainable change
- People with purpose: develop and inspire confidence, capability and culture across your organisation
We explored these themes through keynote talks, presentations and lightning talks. New for 2026, we hosted drop-in data surgeries with our in-house experts. View the programme.
Our demo zones
At this year’s Data Matters conference, we introduced dedicated demo zones where you could experience our innovative products and services first-hand. These interactive spaces were designed to give you a closer look at the tools and solutions that help institutions harness the power of data for better decision-making and improved outcomes.
Our experts presented live demonstrations and showed how these solutions can support institutions' goals. Whether you’re interested in analytics, benchmarking, or data-driven insights, the demo zones offered a unique opportunity to see what’s possible and explore practical applications tailored to your needs.
Learning analytics
Here we explored how institutions use data to improve compliance, retention, and wellbeing. Learning analytics, including attendance monitoring, provide real-time insights into student engagement, helping educators respond early and effectively.
Digital capability and survey solutions
Building digital capability ensures staff and students are equipped with the skills needed for a tech-enabled learning environment. The digital elevation tool helps benchmark digital maturity and guide strategic planning. Online surveys offer a direct channel for student feedback, allowing institutions to adapt to changing needs. Together, these tools create a complete picture of the student experience.
Data informed decisions
Confident decisions rely on clear evidence. Here we explored how institutions can turn complex data into meaningful insights. Heidi Plus offers sector-wide benchmarking and visualisations that support strategic planning, market research and institutional performance monitoring. Interactive insights allow teams to explore trends and patterns with ease, having already done the heavy lifting of the data analysis and visualisation for you. Tailored datasets provide bespoke, granular data according to your requirements. Graduate outcomes data provides a vital view into post-study success, helping institutions evaluate impact and improve their offer.
Whether shaping policy, allocating resources or forecasting demand, these tools help leaders make decisions that are informed, relevant and grounded in real data.
Data capability
Strong data capability is essential for long-term success. Here we focused on services that help institutions assess and grow their data maturity. Data consultancy and our data maturity assessment offer expert guidance to identify strengths and areas for development. Data collection services ensure reliable and consistent information gathering across the HE sector.
By investing in capability, organisations can unlock the full value of their data and drive continuous improvement.
Turning data into student recruitment success
Prospects helps higher education institutions harness the power of data to attract and engage UK and international students. By combining market insights, behavioural trends, and recruitment analytics, we enable universities to make informed decisions that drive measurable results.
At Data Matters, we explored how data can transform recruitment strategies. From understanding audience intent to optimising campaigns, Prospects provides tools and expertise that turn complex data into actionable insights, helping institutions stay competitive in an evolving landscape.
A CPD-accredited event
Jisc is a member of the CPD Certification Service. By attending Data Matters 2026 you can add this learning time towards your individual continuing professional development goals. After the event, you'll receive a digital certificate with CPD points to add to your personal log or organisational file. Find out about the benefits of CPD.
Designed for decision makers
Data Matters 2026 welcomed all colleagues with a strategic focus on data and direction for their organisation:
- Chief officers for data information and operation
- Directors of planning, strategy, student experience and business change
- Vice principals
- Registrars
- Members of senior leadership teams
Seeing how other people similar to myself are considering the data and how it can affect education moving forward made me think of some steps to take at our own institution.
Venue
Data Matters 2026 took place at The Rep, Unique Venues Birmingham, Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EP
Sustainability and environmental impact
We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
Location
Data Matters is held at The Rep in the centre of Birmingham, enabling easy and efficient access using public transport from across the UK.
It's a short walk or tram ride from Birmingham New Street station. Taking the train is actively encouraged; the difference between a mile on the train and a mile in the car is 0.22 kg CO2e vs 0.07 kg CO2e. For those who need to use the car, car-sharing is encouraged. If there are four people using one car, the carbon per person per mile is 0.05 kg.
Data Matters is held at The Rep in the centre of Birmingham, enabling easy and efficient access using public transport from across the UK.
It's a short walk or tram ride from Birmingham New Street station. Taking the train is actively encouraged; the difference between a mile on the train and a mile in the car is 0.22 kg CO2e vs 0.07 kg CO2e. For those who need to use the car, car-sharing is encouraged. If there are four people using one car, the carbon per person per mile is 0.05 kg.
Venue
Unique Venues Birmingham has been awarded the Silver Award for the Greengage ECOsmart. Greengage ECOsmart is a business travel and events industry certification that recognises organisations that demonstrate a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability within their business and who promote a green approach with their clients.
Unique Venues Birmingham has been awarded the Silver Award for the Greengage ECOsmart. Greengage ECOsmart is a business travel and events industry certification that recognises organisations that demonstrate a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability within their business and who promote a green approach with their clients.
At the event
Any event printing is now FSC certified and fully recyclable. All laminate or UV finishes have been removed from our marketing materials, ensuring that recycling can occur.
Our lanyards, when used, are made of bamboo and PET materials that are biodegradable.
The use of Foamex materials has been replaced with recyclable alternatives for any signage or branding at events. We have eliminated the use of vinyl opting for alternative recyclable or reusable materials.
Any event printing is now FSC certified and fully recyclable. All laminate or UV finishes have been removed from our marketing materials, ensuring that recycling can occur.
Our lanyards, when used, are made of bamboo and PET materials that are biodegradable.
The use of Foamex materials has been replaced with recyclable alternatives for any signage or branding at events. We have eliminated the use of vinyl opting for alternative recyclable or reusable materials.
Contact
Email data.matters@jisc.ac.uk if you have any queries or would like more information.