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Accessing data

Find out how to access data, submit an enquiry through our Researcher Access Service, search available datasets, and explore additional information for researchers.

Discover our Researcher Access Service

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Our vision is to promote and advance health and social wellbeing in Scotland by enabling access to public sector data about people, places and businesses.

The data access process

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Data access overview

Find out more about the process of applying to access secure datasets for research.

Learn about data access
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Pre-application checklist

Understand what is involved in a data access request and how to complete the initial enquiry form.

Complete the checklist
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Begin an enquiry

Once you have your project information ready, fill out an enquiry form to kick off your request to access public sector datasets.

Begin an enquiry

Metadata Catalogue

Search public sector datasets to request access for research.

Find datasets
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Information for researchers

View all resources
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eDRIS researcher support services

eDRIS Research Coordinators provide end-to-end support for researchers applying for access to public sector data.

Find out about eDRIS support
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Trusted Research Environments

There are a range of trusted research environments (TREs) in Scotland providing access to secure data. 

Learn more about TREs
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Approvals and training

Details on approved organisations in the UK, mandatory training for researchers and additional approvals.

 

Find approved organisations
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Terminology for researchers

Our list of common terms will help you understand more about public sector data in Scotland.

Learn the terminology

Research for public good

What do we mean by 'public good'? Learn more about how researchers demonstrate that their projects will deliver clear benefit to the public.

Learn about public good
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