Research Data Access Pathway costs
Find more information on the costs associated with both the Research Data Access Pathway and the PBPP Approval Pathway.
Preparing your application
Find guidance on applying through the Research Data Access Pathway.
Guidance for applicants
Guidance on the full end-to-end online application process for projects progressing through the Research Data Access Pathway is available in multiple formats.
Guidance is arranged in sections based on the statuses you will see on your dashboard as you move through the digital application process: Enquiry, Application in progress, In review, Data assembly and Data access.
Find application guidance online or download a PDF version through the link below.
Download Research Data Access Pathway guidance
Find detailed instructions to help you navigate your Research Data Access Pathway application.
Download Research Data Access Pathway guidance (PDF 1.06 MB)View enquiry form questions
All researchers who require access to secure datasets held by our partner organisations will start their application journey by submitting an enquiry form. For a full view of the questions you will be asked on the enquiry form, please download a read-only version of this form using the link below.
Download enquiry form
See what questions you'll be asked on your enquiry form.
Download the RAS enquiry form (read only) (PDF 172.07 KB)View application form questions
At this time, only researchers applying for data access through the Research Data Access Pathway will submit their full application using our online application system. For a full view of the questions you will be asked on this application, please download a read-only version of this form using the link below.
Please note: Researchers who are applying via the PBPP Approval Pathway will complete a different form which will be provided by eDRIS.
Download application form
See what questions you'll be asked during your full Research Data Access Pathway application.
Download the Research Data Access Pathway application form (read only) (PDF 338.20 KB)Requesting an amendment
If you request a change to your application after it has been approved, you will need to submit an amendment. In some situations, the requested amendment might take your project out of the scope of the Research Data Access Pathway.
In this case, you will be asked to submit a new application through the PBPP Approval Pathway, which will likely incur additional costs. eDRIS Research Coordinators will be able to advise on your specific situation.
What are your data needs?
Answer a few short questions to determine whether we can help you with your project.
Related content
Research Data Access Pathway datasets
Find out which datasets and variables are available through the Research Data Access Pathway.
Continue your application
Already have a Research Data Access Pathway application in progress? Make changes and view updates through your online account.
About the Digital Economy Act
Research Data Scotland (RDS) is aligning with the DEA to simplify and accelerate access to public sector data for research while maintaining the highest standards of privacy, security, and public trust.
About the Public Impact Advisory Group (PIAG) pilot
A new Public Impact Advisory Group (PIAG) will provide early feedback on Research Data Access Pathway applications.
Help shape our Researcher Access Service
Interested in supporting the development of the Researcher Access Service and helping us shape our work?
