How to apply through the Research Data Access Pathway
Find guidance on how to submit an application through the Research Data Access Pathway, including how to use the digital platform and what documents to submit.
About the Public Impact Advisory Group (PIAG)
Understanding the Public Impact Advisory Group (PIAG) and how it works with the Research Data Access Pathway.
What is the Public Impact Advisory Group (PIAG)?
The Public Impact Advisory Group (PIAG) is an advisory group that provides early feedback on Research Data Access Pathway applications, with a particular focus on reviewing public good statements and public engagement plans. The group has been in a pilot phase since October 2025 with evaluation currently underway for the future.
Why is the PIAG important?
The PIAG provides an improved level of transparency and public involvement in the Research Data Access Pathway process. They review applications and consider their potential impact for public good. This also gives researchers an opportunity to improve their application before they submit it to the Research Data Access Pathway Approval Panel for review.
How the PIAG works
The PIAG currently review all applications made through the Research Data Access Pathway before the applications go to the Approval Panel for final approval.
The PIAG meet monthly to discuss new Research Data Access Pathway applications. The group don't review any technical information about statistical analysis plans, but consider the following information from each application form:
Summary of research
Background to research (for example, is it part of a larger programme?)
Public good statement
Datasets requested
Public acceptability statement
Public engagement plans
Dissemination
Risks and risk mitigation
The advisory group provide feedback to applicants on these sections of the form, including any concerns they have or clarifications they would like to see made.
The PIAG cannot approve or reject a project. It is the responsibility of the researcher to consider what changes to make to their application ahead of Research Data Access Pathway Approval Panel review, based on the feedback provided.
This approach has been informed by ongoing public engagement work with Scotland Talks Data and wider public dialogue sessions with IPSOS, as well as findings from existing public panels such as UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration (UK LLC), DataLoch and SAIL Databank.
Who is part of PIAG?
Currently, all participants in PIAG are members of the public who have relevant knowledge and experience of taking part in other advisory groups or panels, for example, the Scotland Talks Data public panel. Members of PIAG have been trained for the role and are supported by a dedicated member of staff.
PIAG members are paid for their involvement, according to the Scottish Government guidelines. This helps ensure researchers receive the best possible advice on how to improve their applications.
As PIAG progresses, a new recruitment approach will be decided as part of the evaluation for the PIAG to ensure a range of knowledge and experience.
Further information
To learn more about projects approved through the Research Data Access Pathway, see the Data Use Register
Find out more about the Scotland Talks Data public panel
About the Digital Economy Act (DEA)
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.
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Information governance for researchers
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