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Connecting researchers to public sector data

We work with researchers, analysts and policymakers to make it faster and simpler to access public sector data for research.

Explore what we do

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Researcher Access Service

We're simplifying access to data for research through our brand new, fully digitised Researcher Access Service.

For research projects using data from nine of Public Health Scotland's most frequently requested datasets, we've introduced a streamlined end-to-end platform.

Find out if your project might be suitable for this service through the link below.

Discover the Researcher Access Service

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    About Research Data Scotland

    We are a not-for-profit charitable organisation created and funded by the Scottish Government, and a partnership between leading universities and public bodies.

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    Shaping our services

    We work with the public and data professionals to build trust and shape the future of data research in Scotland. Join our engagement contact list.

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    Data demystified

    Want to learn more about public sector data and how it is used in research? Check out our data explainers for public friendly information.

Recent news

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How Scotland is claiming its place in the UK data ecosystem

As we start work on the exciting plans we have for this year and beyond, our Chief Executive Officer, Professor Roger Halliday reflects on how Research Data Scotland has been working to align approaches within Scotland to improve the data access service, and how we can continue to strengthen this while also working towards a UK-wide approach.

Roger Halliday

09 Jan 2025

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Watch: Researcher Access Service webinar

On Wednesday 4 December, Research Data Scotland (RDS) and Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) Scotland hosted a showcase webinar to explore how the Researcher Access Service makes it faster and simpler to access data. Watch a recording of the webinar now.

17 Dec 2024

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