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Data access for approved researchers
The study's data is a shared scientific resource. Access is open to qualified researchers with a sound purpose, under conditions that keep participants protected at every step.
Our principles
How we balance openness with protection
Access is granted in a way that maximises the public-good value of the data while honouring the trust of the children and families it represents.
Privacy first, always
Researchers work with de-identified data. Safeguards make it impossible to single out or re-identify any individual child.
Purpose that serves the public
Proposals must have clear scientific or policy value, consistent with the study's mission to improve children's wellbeing.
Secure by default
Approved data is used within controlled environments, with technical and procedural controls appropriate to its sensitivity.
Accountable use
Access is tied to a specific, approved project. Use is documented and subject to oversight throughout.
The process
From idea to approved access
The path below describes the high-level steps. Exact requirements depend on the data requested and the relevant ethics and governance arrangements.
Get in touch & scope your project
Contact the study team to discuss your research question, the variables you need and whether the study is a good fit.
Prepare your application
Document your aims, methods, data requirements and the safeguards you will apply, with the necessary ethics approvals in place.
Review & approval
Your proposal is assessed against the study's governance criteria and the conditions set by data custodians and ethics bodies.
Data-access agreement
A formal agreement sets out how the de-identified data may be used, stored, analysed and eventually disposed of.
Secure access & analysis
Approved researchers access the data within a controlled environment and conduct their analysis under the agreed terms.
Outputs & disclosure checks
Results are checked before release to ensure nothing could identify an individual, then shared with the research community.
Before you apply
What to have ready
- A clearly defined research question and analysis plan.
- Appropriate ethics approval from your institution or relevant committee.
- A description of the specific data items and time periods you require.
- Details of your secure computing environment and data-handling practices.
- The research team and their roles, including data-access responsibilities.
Not sure whether your project fits? Reach out early. A short conversation often saves a great deal of time later.
Start a conversation
Discuss your data-access enquiry.
Tell us about your research and we will help you understand the next steps.