Data access channels for scientific purposes - Researcher Accreditation

In order to support scientific research, HCSO opens up data files for those requesting data/researchers; prior to this carries out an accreditation study.

During researcher accreditation – following the reception of the data request - the HCSO evaluates if the researchers and – if there is one – the research institution’s research background correspond to the predetermined, published standpoints (internal link: Researcher accreditation criteria).

The purpose and effect of researcher accreditation

In line with the provisions on access to official statistics and to promote scientific research, four out of the six data access channels of the HCSO are available only for scientific purposes for researchers.

These data access channels are the following:

• Safe Centre access
• remote access
• remote execution
• release of anonymised microdata sets

The main goal of researcher accreditation is to analyse the scientific nature of the data request received through the above listed four data access channels.

Phases of the researcher accreditation

As part of the researcher accreditation the HCSO examines the researchers and – if there is one – the research institution, indicated on the data request form, and also the scientific nature of the data request. Researcher accreditation is conducted based on the provided information on the data request forms and other documents attached to those forms. If justified, additional consultations between the researchers and the HCSO might be necessary for researcher accreditation. In such cases the HCSO will contact the researchers and the research institution.

Frequency of researcher accreditation

The HCSO conducts a full examination of researcher accreditation for all data requests received through all four relevant data access channels, following the receipt of the data requests. Accordingly, the researchers and the research institution must send in each case duly completed data request forms to the HCSO.

Researcher accreditation criteria

In line with its purpose, the researcher accreditation consists of the following main parts and the corresponding criteria:

1. Examination of the researchers and – if there is one – the research institution
   • In connection with the researchers, the HCSO examines the following:
     • career in research
     • in case of research with institutional background, the type of legal relationship between the researcher and the research institution
     • has the researcher fulfilled the requirement of sending the copies of publication based on the research outputs to the HCSO during 5 years preceding the submission of the data request
     • has the researcher violated the conditions laid down in the data release contract signed with the HCSO during 5 years preceding the submission of the data request.
   • In connection with the research institution, the HCSO examines the following criteria:
     • legal status of the institution;
     • main activity and other activities of the institution;
     • organisational setup of the institution;
     • the role of research activity in the institution (if research is not the main activity of the institution);
     • main results of the research activity of the institution conducted during 5 years preceding the submission of the data request;
     • rules and procedures of publication of scientific results of the institution;
     • arrangements of financing the institution (with special attention given to research activities);
     • in case of release of anonymised microdata sets, the IT and physical security measures and conditions at the institution.
     • has the research institution violated the conditions laid down in the data release contract signed with the HCSO during 5 years preceding the submission of the data request;
     • has any researcher of the research institution violated the conditions of the safe environment of the HCSO during 5 years preceding the submission of the data request;
     • in case of access in safe environment, have the copies of publications based on the research outputs been sent to the HCSO during 5 years preceding the submission of the data request.
2. Examination of the scientific nature of the data request
   • Relevance of the purpose of the research project to public interest and scientific progress;
     The results of the scientific research must serve the goals of the economy, society and environment as a whole and not the commercial or profit goals of the institution requesting access to data. It is forbidden that, as on the basis of the results of the research, the institution requesting access or any other entity realise unilateral competitive advantage.
   • The intended ways of publication of the planned research outputs.
     In the frame of scientific research only those data requests can be accepted where the public dissemination of the research results is ensured.
   • Justification of the need why the research project goals cannot be realised without access in safe environment or without the release of anonymised microdata sets.