Announcing the latest release of the Research Data Scotland metadata catalogue

We recently pushed a new release of the Research Data Scotland metadata catalogue, designed to enhance data discovery and accessibility for researchers.

This update introduces a range of new features and improvements aimed at streamlining the user experience, enriching the metadata records and making it easier for researchers to find and access valuable datasets.

What's new in this release?

Enhanced page layout

• The metadata catalogue now features an enhanced page layout, exposing new sections, fields, and additional dataset information

• A new navigation menu has been introduced, making it easier to navigate the content and find key details

Improved dataset discovery

• A brand-new filter has been added to help researchers quickly identify the datasets that are accessible through the streamlined Research Data Access Pathway, which enables faster, simpler access to select datasets.

• A banner also highlights those datasets that can be accessed via the Researcher Access Service, ensuring clearer visibility

• A tailored call to action for these datasets also encourages users to begin an enquiry

Expanded dataset information

• In Autumn 2024 we introduced a new schema to align the catalogue with our partners at Health Data Research UK and ADR UK. This release helps us realise the potential of this new schema by exposing more information for each dataset, including details of coverage, provenance, access and governance and enrichment and linkage

Why these updates matter

These enhancements are part of our ongoing commitment to making data more accessible, discoverable, and usable for researchers. By refining the layout, improving navigation, and introducing tailored filtering options, we aim to create a seamless experience that supports data-driven research and decision-making.

These developments respond to feedback where researchers highlighted a lack of consistency across catalogues. Now, the dataset information a researcher sees on the RDS metadata catalogue matches what they might see when browsing the HDR Gateway or the ADR UK Data Catalogue.