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Research Data Management: Finding and using data

Research Data Management (RDM) Library guide

The Registry of Research Data Repositories (re3data)

The Registry of Research Data Repositories (re3data) is a global registry of research data repositories across all academic disciplines. Although not a search engine for finding data, this resource is a starting point for finding repositories that may contain relevant searchable data.

Looking for data? Try one of these resources:

UK Data Archive

"Home to the UK's largest collection of social, economic and population data for over 50 years, we provide researchers with training, support and data access as lead partner of the UK Data Service".

URL: https://www.data-archive.ac.uk/



Data One

"DataONE is a community driven project providing access to data across multiple member repositories, supporting enhanced search and discovery of Earth and environmental data. DataONE promotes best practices in data management through responsive educational resources and materials...".

URL: https://www.dataone.org/



EU Open Data Portal

"The European Union Open Data Portal (EU ODP) gives you access to open data published by EU institutions and bodies. All the data you can find via this catalogue are free to use and reuse for commercial or non-commercial purposes".

URL: https://data.europa.eu/euodp/en/home



Eurostat

Eurostat is the statistical office of the European Union. Eurostat produces European statistics in partnership with National Statistical Institutes and other national authorities in the EU Member States. This partnership is known as the European Statistical System (ESS). An application must be made to access Eurostat data.

URL: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/main/home



Figshare

"Figshare is a repository where users can make all of their research outputs available in a citable, shareable and discoverable manner".

URL: https://figshare.com/



GitHub

"GitHub is a development platform inspired by the way you work. From open source to business, you can host and review code, manage projects, and build software alongside 40 million developers".

URL: https://github.com/



UN Data

"A web-based data service for the global user community. It brings international statistical databases within easy reach of users through a single-entry point. Users can search and download a variety of statistical resources compiled by the United Nations (UN) statistical system and other international agencies. The numerous databases or tables collectively known as "datamarts" contain over 60 million data points and cover a wide range of statistical themes including agriculture, crime, communication, development assistance, education, energy, environment, finance, gender, health, labour market, manufacturing, national accounts, population and migration, science and technology, tourism, transport and trade".

URL: http://data.un.org/

Using Data - Data Skills Modules

The UK Data Service has launched a new online teaching resource which introduces data to non-experts via easy-to-use interactive Data Skills Modules. These will give those new to research a solid grounding in the key skills they'll need to make full use of our rich data resources as they embark on their projects.

Launched as beta versions, the Data Skills Modules are aimed at anyone who wants to learn more about using:

  • Survey data
  • Longitudinal data
  • Aggregate data

These introductory level modules are designed for those who want to get to grips with key aspects of the data, showing you how to use the data and offering short instructional videos, interactive quizzes and activities to test your knowledge. You can conduct the modules in your own time, and dip in and out around your schedule.