Researcher Access Service

Our integrated service connecting researchers with secure data in Scotland.

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What is the Researcher Access Service?

The Researcher Access Service is a platform for researchers to discover and apply to access de-identified data about people, places and businesses in Scotland.

Historically, ways of accessing public sector data for research in areas such as health, education, child protection and justice have been fragmented. From a researcher’s perspective, even simple requests are not straightforward, forcing people to work across multiple websites and follow often convoluted processes.

Managed and led by Research Data Scotland (RDS), in collaboration with our partners, the Researcher Access Service brings together information about public sector data which is held by organisations across Scotland. It provides a clear, simple starting point for researchers to begin their application to access data through the National Safe Haven and Regional Safe Havens, which together make up the Scottish Safe Haven Network.

One place for all your data needs

Our Researcher Access Service aims to make the journey towards data access a little smoother, whether you're new to the world of secure data or a seasoned researcher guiding PhD students through new projects.

Use the links below to browse datasets for your research, discover how data is accessed in Scotland and find guidance to help you make a successful application.

Explore datasets for research

Browse available datasets through our metadata catalogue, learn about regional data available through the Scottish Safe Haven Network and see how previous projects have used data through our Data Use Register.

Discover how to access data

Get an overview of the data access process, compare different pathways to data access, check what accreditation you'll need and learn how research data is kept secure.

Find application guidance

Find pre-application checklists, a glossary for researchers, more information about how projects must deliver public benefit and a comprehensive guide to applying through the Research Data Access Pathway.

How RDS works with eDRIS

Research Data Scotland (RDS) works in partnership with the electronic Data Research and Innovation Service (eDRIS ) team at Public Health Scotland to guide researchers through their applications for data access. RDS has developed and continues to support the end-to-end digital Research Data Access Pathway application, while eDRIS colleagues work with researchers to guide them through the process.

Researchers will continue to work closely with the eDRIS team to prepare their applications for data access. The main difference from previous years is that, for projects eligible for the Research Data Access Pathway, the application process will be digital. Guidance on preparing a full application through the Research Data Access Pathway is available.

eDRIS also continues to support projects that require approval from both the Health and Social Care Public Benefit and Privacy Panel (HSC-PBPP) and the Scottish Government & National Records Scotland Data Access Panel (SG-NRS) but these applications will follow the same procedure as before.

Begin an enquiry

Got a project in mind? Want to learn about costs and feasibility? Submit an enquiry to a team of experts who will guide you through data access requirements.

Begin an enquiry

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Quick links

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Continue your application

Already have a Research Data Access Pathway application in progress? Make changes and view updates through the Researcher Access Service online portal.