The agreement builds on work between the two organisations during Covid-19 and the MoU will allow both to take a proactive approach to identifying and delivering on policy-driven health research questions.

In addition, the partnership will allow them to share resources and combine complementary expertise across partner organisations.

Both organisations will also be able to respond swiftly to funding calls based on their expertise and resources within the partnership. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the University of Leicester and the ONS worked together to investigate the ethnic disparities in Covid-19 health outcomes and vaccination uptake in England. 

This collaboration was part of a broader effort to understand the varying impacts of the pandemic on different communities, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds. 

The partnership has since grown, and the two organisations have co-developed a non-pandemic related programme of research, with several joint projects in progress with a total value exceeding £2m.

Professor Kamlesh Khunti (pictured), professor of primary care diabetes and vascular medicine at the University of Leicester and co-director at the Leicester Diabetes Centre, said: “By combining the ONS’s vast data resources with our cutting-edge research expertise, we are poised to uncover new insights that will transform our understanding of public health. 

“This partnership will enable us to tackle some of the most pressing health challenges facing our communities, driving innovation and improving outcomes for future generations.” 

National statistician Sir Ian Diamond said: “When the ONS and the University of Leicester first started collaborating during the Covid-19 pandemic, it quickly became clear how our shared expertise and research were critical in responding to health challenges at that time, which is why I’m thrilled to be signing this strategic partnership.

“As we look ahead, with new but equally important challenges in front of us, our joint research will be just as valuable.”

Professor Nishan Canagarajah, president and vice-chancellor at the University of Leicester, added: “This MoU is testament to the hard work that has already taken place by colleagues at the university and ONS, but will further strengthen the collaboration between us and ensure that our pioneering health research continues for the benefit of all.”