RDS strengthens public involvement for research access
Members of the public will provide early feedback on research applications as part of a new advisory group.
13 Oct 2025
News and insights
Accredited researcher status introduced for Researcher Access Service applications
Research Data Scotland (RDS) will require all researchers who apply for access for data through the Researcher Access Service (RAS) approval pathway to have accredited researcher status from Thursday 30 October.
12 Sept 2025
New report published on public opinions of data access for research
The report, published by Research Data Scotland (RDS), outlines findings from public workshops in areas including definitions of ‘public good’, ensuring the public has a voice in how data is used for research and private sector access to data.
11 Sept 2025
GovCamp Scotland returns after 12 years with support from Research Data Scotland
Research Data Scotland was proud to support the first GovCamp Scotland since 2013 – a special type of gathering for those in the public sector focused on service delivery design – as part of our work with partners to transform aspects of the data research system.
24 Jun 2025
Watch: synthetic data webinar
Curious to learn more about synthetic data? On Tuesday 27 May, Research Data Scotland (RDS) and Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) Scotland hosted a showcase webinar to explore how synthetic data is being created, used and considered across the UK.
17 Jun 2025
New report highlights impact of the Scotland Talks Data public panel
Scotland Talks Data – a public panel co-hosted by Research Data Scotland (RDS) and the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research (SCADR) – has published its first impact report, highlighting some of the areas where members of the public have made a difference in data research.
26 May 2025
Animations score silver for Research Data Scotland
Three animations created to demystify some of the ways data is used for research to the public won a silver prize for the ‘Best use of animation’ at the DataComms 2025 Awards.
23 May 2025
Cens-able project to link census data for research
We’re working with our partners to improve and empower census data research opportunities in Scotland.
22 Apr 2025
RDS publishes new business plan for 2025-26
The new business plan, covering the period 2025 to 2026, highlights key areas of focus for Research Data Scotland including ambitions to widen the range of data available for users and to reduce the delay in accessing data in a safe and secure way.
17 Apr 2025
Research Data Scotland to contribute to new £6.2 million programme for sensitive data research
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has awarded £4.94 million towards a £6.2 million programme, TREvolution, to advance the development of key technical requirements and capabilities for UK Trusted Research Environments (TREs) as part of DARE UK (Data and Analytics Research Environments UK).
10 Apr 2025
Alison Byrne joins RDS as Advisor to the Board
Chief Executive of National Records of Scotland (NRS), Alison Byrne, joins the Research Data Scotland (RDS) Board of Trustees as an Advisor, bringing insights and experience to help shape the future of data research in Scotland.
09 Apr 2025