UK Data Service essentials: Introduction, finding and accessing data

Description:

A practical overview of the UK Data Service including guidance on searching and accessing data.

This interactive session is ideal for anyone interested in social research and keen to explore the wide range of resources offered by the UK Data Service (UKDS). Whether you are a new user looking to kickstart your UKDS journey, or an existing user eager to make the most of our services, this workshop is designed to support you.

In the first part of the session, we will provide a comprehensive introduction to the UK Data Service, covering the key services, training, and support opportunities available to help you get the most out of our data resources.

In the second part, we will explore our newly updated data catalogue and demonstrate how our tools can help you find the data you need for your research. We will also explain the different access levels to you and guide you through the steps required to access datasets, depending on their confidentiality and sensitivity.

Our aim is to help both new and existing users build confidence in discovering and accessing data. The session will include live demonstrations, interactive elements, and time for questions at the end.

Meet our presenters:

Dominico Rivera: “I work at the UK Data Service, supporting researchers in registering on the UKDS platform. I also provide user support to help them apply for and access the data they need for their research. On a regular basis, I advise applicants on best practices in data protection and serve as a key point of contact between users and data depositors, particularly for Special Licence applications. I am a member of the Data Access Team since June 2024”.

Anna Woodfield: “Hello! I’m Anna and I’m a Data Access and Use Assistant within the Access team at the UK Data Service. I have not hailed from a data background, but I am really enjoying working in a data environment now, helping researchers to access the quality data we hold within our catalogue. I love seeing the impact of the efforts our team undertakes”.

Level: Introductory

Experience/knowledge required: None

Target audience: Researchers/anyone interested in finding out what UKDS has to offer and how to search and find data in the UKDS Data Catalogue

This event will be livestreamed on our UK Data Service YouTube channel but the chat will be disabled. By registering and attending the Zoom event you will be able to ask questions and interact.

Recordings of UK Data Service events are made available on our YouTube channel and, together with the slides, on our past events pages soon after the event has taken place.

This event is part of our UK Data Service introductory training series: Autumn 2025.

Cost:

Free

Website and registration:

Register for this course

Region:

International

Keywords:

Frameworks for Research and Research Designs, Data Collection, Data Quality and Data Management , Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis, Quantitative Data Handling and Data Analysis, Mixed Methods Data Handling and Data Analysis, ICT and Software, Research Management and Impact, Research Skills, Communication and Dissemination

Related publications and presentations from our eprints archive:

Frameworks for Research and Research Designs
Data Collection
Data Quality and Data Management
Qualitative Data Handling and Data Analysis
Quantitative Data Handling and Data Analysis
Mixed Methods Data Handling and Data Analysis
ICT and Software
Research Management and Impact
Research Skills, Communication and Dissemination

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