Our Data Visualisation Competition is back!
The Data Lab Community's Data Visualisation Competition is back, and this time we're working with Public Health Scotland (PHS)!
Behind every health statistic is a story about people, places and communities. This year, we're challenging you to find one and bring it to life.
Whether you're a seasoned data viz expert or just starting out, it's your chance to get creative with real-world data, put your skills to the test and raise your profile in front of our community of data and AI professionals, students and enthusiasts.
For full details and to download the data, visit thedatalab.com/data-visualisation-competition
The challenge
What can you tell us about the health of Scotland, and how could those insights help us make better decisions?
Using three datasets provided by PHS, uncover an insight and turn it into a compelling visual story. Perhaps you'll challenge an assumption, highlight inequality, or spot an opportunity to improve wellbeing.
You must use at least one of three competition datasets:
- A&E Attendances: emergency department and minor injury unit activity from 2007 to 2026
- Unintentional Injuries: hospital admissions and deaths resulting from unintentional injuries across Scotland, broken down by age, sex, location and injury type
- Community Prescribing: prescribing activity, volumes and costs across Scotland
You're also welcome to bring in any other publicly available data you like to enhance your story.
What's the prize?
- 1st place: £300 in retail vouchers and a ticket to DataFest 2027 (worth £200)
- 2nd and 3rd place: a DataFest 2027 ticket each
- All finalists: work showcased at DataFest in Edinburgh on 12th and 13th May 2027
How you'll be judged
Our panel includes data viz specialists Cara Thompson, Chris Westlake (IronViz 2024 global champion) and Nicola Rennie, alongside Saleh Seyedzadeh from The Data Lab and Scott Heald from PHS. They'll score entries on clarity and communication, creativity and design, and data analysis, understanding and accuracy.
You don't need the most advanced tools or the most complex visualisation. A simple, well-designed piece that tells a powerful story can be just as effective.
Key dates
- 4th November 2026: data available to download
- 18th November: live webinar with PHS on the datasets - come with questions!
- 25th November: submissions open
- 15th January 2027: submissions close
- 4th and 5th February 2027: finalists present online to the judges
Are you up for the challenge?
Entry is open to all members of The Data Lab Community; you can enter as an individual or as a team.
Register your interest now and sign up for the webinar on the 18th November- the best place to start if you're thinking of entering.
Make sure you download the data by visiting thedatalab.com/data-visualisation-competition
We can't wait to see what you come up with!