RDS strengthens public involvement for research access

The Public Impact Advisory Group (PIAG) will review and provide feedback on applications received through the Researcher Access Service, with a focus on their potential impact for the public good.   

The introduction of the PIAG – which will run as an initial six-month pilot – will improve transparency and public involvement within the Researcher Access Service process. The group will meet monthly to discuss new RAS applications, before the applications go to the RAS panel for final approval.  

The group won’t review technical information about statistical analysis plans, but will consider:  

• the summary and background to the research  
• the public good statement 
• public engagement plans 
• datasets requested
• public acceptability statement
• dissemination
• risks and risk mitigation

They will then provide feedback to applicants on these sections of the form, including any concerns they have or clarifications they would like to see made before submission to the RAS panel.  

The PIAG cannot approve or reject projects. Researchers should consider the feedback from the PIAG and consider changes they would like to make to their applications before submitting to the RAS panel. 

Robbie, member of the PIAG, said: “I am honoured and excited to be involved in the PIAG. It is enormously reassuring to know that the views of the public are listened to and valued at an early stage in any proposed research project that seeks to use public data. I hope it will provide greater awareness, understanding, and confidence in any research being undertaken, and ultimately lead to greater insights and improvements that benefit the public.” 

All participants in the PIAG pilot are members of the public who have relevant knowledge and experience of taking part in other advisory groups or panels, such as the Scotland Talks Data public panel. Members have been trained for the role, are supported by a dedicated member of staff, and are paid for their involvement in line with Scottish Government guidelines. This helps to ensure researchers receive the best possible advice on how to improve their applications.  

Suhail Iqbal, Service Owner, said: “Research about people that is done without their input is a road to nowhere. This can’t be afterthought or an add-on. Through introducing the PIAG we are ensuring the public voice is at the heart of the Researcher Access Service, which will lead to better research for all of us.” 

Aurora, member of the PIAG, added: “My hope for the Public Impact Advisory Group is that it helps ensure research and public engagement truly reflect the voices and experiences of the people it is designed to serve. I look forward to contributing to meaningful discussions and shaping initiatives that make a positive difference.”  

The pilot will run from October 2025 to March 2026. At the end of the pilot, Research Data Scotland will evaluate the process with members of the PIAG, researchers, and eDRIS colleagues, and make changes as needed. A new recruitment approach will be decided as part of this evaluation exercise to ensure a range of knowledge and experience can be found within the advisory group.  

Learn more about our streamlined end-to-end service for researchers on our Researcher Access Service page.  

Want to find out more about how we’re involving the public in data research? Read about our public engagement work.