Naciones Unidas

Eurostat microdata

Research Proposals

 

  • You can request access to microdata by submitting one or more research proposals to Eurostat and following an ECLAC procedures (see next tab).  

  • Responses to such requests may take up to 8 to 10 weeks. 

  • The research proposal must contain the name of the person requesting access, the data requested and the mode of access.  

  • The research proposal must describe: 

    • The legitimate purpose of the research (the need for the access and use of microdata for the research project should be justified); 
    • The explanation as to why this purpose cannot be fulfilled using non-confidential data; 
    • The entity requesting access; 
    • The access facilities to be used; 
    • The datasets to be accessed, the methods of analyzing them and; 
    • The intended results of the results of the research to be published or otherwise disseminated (planned outputs i.e. articles, presentations, books, etc.) must be specified in the research proposal); 
    • State that the results of the research will be made public.

Please note that the starting date shall be at least 6 weeks after the date of application submission 

Two or more research entities may submit a joint research project proposal. However, each partner organisation must be recognized as a research entity and should sign a confidentiality undertaking. The joint research proposal must be signed by the principal researcher and/or the co-ordinating partner.  

Most microdata sets released by Eurostat are partially anonymized. The individual microdata set pages on Eurostat’s website provides vital information that should be considered when drafting the research project description.  (Brief description to Eurostat datasets on this Libguide) 

Eurostat makes data available through two mechanisms: 

“Scientific-Use Files” (SUFs) contain de-identified and anonymized microdata files which are distributed to researchers but are felt to present too great a disclosure risk to be released to the general public.  

“Secure Use Files” (SEcUFs) have more detail, and so can only be accessed in restricted environments, such as Eurostat’s Safe Centre in Luxembourg. 

The research proposal must be filled in the research proposal application webform found at Microdata Access Workflow Tool (accessible with EU-login).  

Please contact the “Data Manager” at the ECLAC Library for information on completion and submission. Should there be a change in the research request, for example, an addition of new data sets, new releases or new partner organizations, a new research proposal form relating to the previous one must be submitted.  

Once requested by Eurostat, the completed application form should be printed, initialed on each page and signed on the last page by the principal researcher and by the contact person in the research entity. The application form must be accompanied by a confidentiality declaration signed by each researcher named in the research proposal, those who will have access to the confidential data for research purposes.  (see: ECLAC Workflow)

Forms required: 

 

The entire process (ECLAC Workflow), from submitting the research proposal to receiving the datasets requested could take between 8 to 10 weeks. Therefore, we encourage researchers to strictly follow Eurostat rules for requesting access to microdata sets, (Link to How to access microdata) to avoid any rejection or modification after the research proposal is sent.  

The individual microdata set pages on Eurostat’s website provides vital information to be considered when drafting the research project description (Link: see the Datasets available on this libguide) 

Use the Word template provided by Eurostat for preparing the research proposal. Every research proposal elaborated by any ECLAC research team must be reviewed by the Data Manager (HSC Library), and later approved by the Director of the Division. The Principal Researcher in charge of the research proposal, must send the Word document containing the research proposal to the Data Manager (c.c. to the Director of the Division). This allows for full transparency of the process, so that all partners are kept informed towards the approval of the research proposal. 

The HSC Library will upload the document to the Eurostat platform, and inform to the DPPO, the Director and the Principal Researcher of this action. 

Once requested by Eurostat, the research proposal should be printed, initialed on each page and signed on the last page by the principal researcher and by the contact person (DPPO, R. García-Buchaca) at ECLAC. The research proposal must be accompanied by a confidentiality declaration signed by each researcher named in the research proposal who will have access to confidential data for scientific purposes.  

HSC Library and DPPO will coordinate the submission of the dossier to Eurostat. 

The research proposal is first assessed by Eurostat. If the proposal is initially approved by Eurostat, it is sent for consultation to the national statistical authorities (NSAs) which provided the data. The standard consultations period proposed is four weeks. After the deadline for consultation, Eurostat will send the medium containing the Scientific use files (CD-ROM) to the HSC Library. 

 

Once the research proposal is approved, Eurostat will send confidential data to the Data Manager; the files containing partially anonymized data (scientific-use files) will be stored on removable electronic devices (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.) 

Access to confidential data may be granted for the period stated in the research proposal (duration of the research project). 

Any extension of access must be requested separately before the scheduled end-date of the research project stated in the research proposal. No compensation may be claimed in the event of such an extension.