Research Data Scotland
Research Data Scotland is a Scottish Government-funded not-for-profit that operates a digital platform and Trusted Research Environment enabling approved researchers to discover, apply for, and analyse linked public sector datasets for public-good research.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2019
- HeadquartersEdinburgh, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Research Data Scotland does
Research Data Scotland (RDS) is a not-for-profit charitable organisation, registered as a Scottish charity (SC051305) and company limited by guarantee (SC677016), that operates as the coordinating access layer for Scotland's public sector data used in research. Created and funded by the Scottish Government as part of its 2019–2020 Programme for Scotland and headquartered at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, RDS works with academic researchers, analysts, policymakers, and data controllers to reduce the time required to access administrative datasets for public-good research, which user interviews cite as currently ranging from 6 to 24 months.
The core technical platform is the Researcher Access Service, a digital application and tracking portal built on Appian, supported by the Scottish Safe Haven Network (a Trusted Research Environment infrastructure), a Metadata Catalogue, a public Data Use Register, and a synthetic data capability underpinned by a published Synthetic Data Strategy (November 2022). At launch in April 2024 the service exposed nine Public Health Scotland datasets (hospital admissions, prescribing, emergency attendances, births); subsequent additions include an All Providers Qualifications education dataset in 2026. From 30 October 2025 the service is aligned with the UK Digital Economy Act 2017, and a Public Impact Advisory Group pilot runs October 2025 to March 2026 to provide early public-interest review of applications.
RDS does not sell services commercially. Its revenue model is grant-funded: a core Scottish Government grant, project funding from UKRI (including over £2 million for DARE UK Driver Projects), partnership contributions, and small grant programmes such as the Public Engagement Fund (over £56,000 awarded) and Regional Safe Haven funding (over £760,000 across five projects). A £300,000 service design engagement with Nexer Digital (January 2023) built the application service prototype. Annual turnover is below the £36 million Modern Slavery Act threshold. Customers in the traditional sense are limited; the operating segments are researchers/analysts (primary), policymakers, and public bodies/data controllers, reached via a self-serve digital platform, direct university outreach, and a partnership network spanning eDRIS, Regional Safe Havens, ADR Scotland, SCADR, NRS, HDR UK, and the DARE UK consortium.
Research Data Scotland firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Research Data Scotland
- Legal name
- Research Data Scotland
- Website
- https://researchdata.scot
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2019
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Research Data Scotland is a Scottish Government-funded not-for-profit that operates a digital platform and Trusted Research Environment enabling approved researchers to discover, apply for, and analyse linked public sector datasets for public-good research.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Research Data Scotland industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Sector Data Access Services
- NAICS
- Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (519), Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (541720)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Computer Processing & Data Preparation (7374)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Transparency Portals & Open Data Reporting (EDADAIAN)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing) (EDAEAGAF), Industry & Sector Research (Syndicated/Custom) (BPAHALAE)
Keywords
Where Research Data Scotland is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Edinburgh
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Research Data Scotland business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Government Funding: Research Data Scotland is a not-for-profit charitable organisation created and funded by the Scottish Government. The organisation receives public funding to support its mission of improving access to public sector data for research.
- Partnership Services: RDS collaborates with leading universities and public bodies as a partnership organisation, providing data access services and systems leadership in the Scottish data landscape.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Research Data Scotland product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Research Data Scotland provides a unified digital data-access service that enables researchers to discover, apply for, and use public sector datasets for research in the public good. Its core offering is the Researcher Access Service, a digital platform built on Appian that streamlines application submission and tracking, supported by the Scottish Safe Haven Network (a Trusted Research Environment for secure analytics) and the Metadata Catalogue / Data Use Register for dataset discovery and transparency. Synthetic data capabilities complement this by enabling low-risk exploration and code development.
Product overview
Research Data Scotland operates as a not-for-profit charitable organisation providing a unified platform of data access services for research in the public good. The core product is the Researcher Access Service, a digital platform enabling researchers to discover, apply for, and track access to public sector datasets through an online portal. This is supported by the Metadata Catalogue for dataset discovery, the Data Use Register for transparency, and the Scottish Safe Haven Network providing Trusted Research Environment infrastructure. The organisation also develops Synthetic Datasets for low-risk data exploration and runs public engagement initiatives including the Scotland Talks Data Public Panel and Public Impact Advisory Group. From October 2025, RDS is aligning with the UK Digital Economy Act 2017 to further streamline data access.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Researcher Access Service A streamlined, fully digital service that enables academics and data users conducting research for public good to discover and apply for access to public sector datasets, submit applications online, and track approval status. Launched with nine frequently requested Public Health Scotland datasets and expanding into education, social work and justice domains.
- Scottish Safe Haven Network A network of secure data environments (Trusted Research Environments) including the National Safe Haven and Regional Safe Havens that safely house public sector datasets and enable approved researchers to access and analyse sensitive linked data under strict governance.
- Metadata Catalogue A searchable catalogue enabling researchers to discover the public sector datasets held within Scotland's National Safe Haven network that are available for research purposes.
- Data Use Register A public register documenting approved research projects that access data through the Researcher Access Service, providing transparency for the public on how public sector data is being used for research in the public good.
- Synthetic Datasets Artificially generated datasets that replicate the structure and statistical properties of original confidential data, enabling researchers to explore data characteristics, develop code and conduct preliminary analysis without disclosure risk.
- Scotland Talks Data Public Panel A public involvement panel of up to 20 members from across Scotland that discusses research proposals, advises on public trust and acceptability, and helps RDS communicate its work in accessible ways.
- Public Impact Advisory Group (PIAG) An advisory group service providing early feedback on Researcher Access Service applications, reviewing public-good statements and public engagement plans to embed public perspectives in approvals.
Quantifiable outcome
- Reduces data access time from 6-24 months to faster timelines through streamlined digital process
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Research Data Scotland
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Research Data Scotland technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability2 records
Feature3 records
Research Data Scotland partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered major, strategic and core.
- AppianmajorTechnology platform used to build the Researcher Access Service, focused on improving business processes for the end-to-end digital service.
- University of the West of England (SACRO)strategicLeads the SACRO project for semi-automated checking of research outputs. RDS collaborates alongside Bennett Institute at Oxford, eDRIS, HDR UK, NHS Scotland, University of Aberdeen and University of Dundee.
- University of Dundee (SATRE)strategicLeads the SATRE project for standardising Trusted Research Environments. RDS works with Alan Turing Institute, HDR UK, Ulster University and UCL.
- University of Swansea (TELEPORT)strategicLeads the TELEPORT project for connecting researchers to big data. RDS partners with eDRIS and EPCC on this project.
- DARE UK Programme (SATRE, SACRO, TELEPORT)strategicRDS leads public engagement work on three DARE UK Driver Projects: SATRE (Standardised Architecture for Trusted Research Environments), SACRO (Semi-Automated Checking of Research Outputs), and TELEPORT. Funded by UKRI with over £2 million awarded.
- Nexer DigitalmajorService design agency engaged for a six-month £300,000 project to design the new Data Access Service, create new website and brand assets, and design the application service prototype.
- Scottish GovernmentcoreRDS was created and funded by the Scottish Government as a not-for-profit charitable organisation. The Scottish Government provides core funding and strategic direction, with RDS contributing to Scotland's vision of a data-driven economy.
- Public Health Scotland (eDRIS)coreElectronic Data Research and Innovation Service (eDRIS) within Public Health Scotland is a founding partner and key collaborator. They manage researcher support services and provide access to health datasets through the National Safe Haven.
- ADR ScotlandcoreAdministrative Data Research Scotland is a key partnership programme led by the Scottish Government and Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research. RDS supports delivery of the ADR Scotland programme from April 2023.
- Scottish Safe Haven NetworkcoreNetwork of Regional Safe Havens across Scotland providing secure data access infrastructure. RDS funds projects across the network and works to federate governance for regional data access.
- Scottish UniversitiescorePartnership between leading universities and public bodies that collaborate on data research initiatives and provide research infrastructure.
- HDR UKstrategicHealth Data Research UK collaborates on DARE UK projects and public engagement initiatives including the Public Engagement in Data Research Initiative (PEDRI).
- SCADR (Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research)coreJointly runs the Scotland Talks Data public panel with ADR Scotland. SCADR was established in 2019 and is part of ADR UK, transforming how administrative data is used for research.
- National Records of ScotlandstrategicGovernment body providing vital statistics and census data. Collaborates on public panel discussions including future of population statistics and administrative data research.
- EPCC (University of Edinburgh)strategicSupercomputing centre at University of Edinburgh operating national research computing services. Collaborates on TELEPORT project and research computing infrastructure.
- Edinburgh Futures InstitutecoreRDS shares office space within the Edinburgh Futures Institute, facilitating collaboration with partner organisations in a modern shared workspace.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Research Data Scotland competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- DARE UK (Data and Analytics Research Environments UK): UKRI-funded programme building trusted digital research infrastructure for sensitive data access. Direct peer as RDS leads public engagement on DARE UK's SATRE, SACRO and TELEPORT driver projects and addresses the same audience of researchers needing secure data access.
- Health Data Research UK (HDR UK): UK-wide institute coordinating health data research through national infrastructure including Trusted Research Environments. Direct peer because RDS partners with HDR UK on DARE UK Driver Projects and competes for the same researcher audience seeking access to public-sector health data.
- Administrative Data Research UK (ADR UK): UK-wide partnership enabling access to linked administrative data for research. Direct peer because RDS supports delivery of the ADR Scotland programme and ADR UK's national mission closely mirrors RDS's public-sector data access objectives.
Others
- Public Health Scotland: National agency that operates the eDRIS researcher support service and hosts the health datasets accessed through RDS's National Safe Haven. Strategic partner and ecosystem anchor rather than a competitor, but a potential alternative access route if researchers bypass RDS.
- National Records of Scotland: Government body holding vital statistics, census and civil registration data that RDS links into the Safe Haven. Acts as a key data controller rather than a competitor, but a partial alternative pathway for researchers seeking Scottish public-sector data.
- EPCC (University of Edinburgh): Supercomputing centre operating national research computing services and collaborating with RDS on the TELEPORT project for connecting researchers to big data. Not a direct competitor but an infrastructure partner providing the underlying compute for advanced research using RDS-enabled datasets.
Regional players
- SAIL Databank (Swansea University): Wales's national Trusted Research Environment for population-scale linked data, analogous to Scotland's National Safe Haven. Regional peer with the same mission of providing secure researcher access to public-sector data, but operating exclusively in Wales.
- DataLoch (South-East Scotland): Edinburgh and Lothian health and social care data repository hosted by the University of Edinburgh. Regional peer offering linked health and care data for research in the same geography, partially overlapping RDS's National Safe Haven datasets.
Emerging players
- Genomics England: Government-backed organisation providing secure access to whole-genome and linked health data for approved researchers. Comparable as a public-sector-funded, mission-driven data access platform, though focused on genomics rather than general administrative data.
Broad incumbents
- ONS Secure Research Service: Office for National Statistics' secure facility for accessing de-identified census and linked administrative data for research. Broad incumbent providing similar secure data access at the UK-wide level and competing for the same government-funded research market.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Research Data Scotland social profiles
Digital presenceResearch Data Scotland compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Research Data Scotland financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Research Data Scotland leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
Research Data Scotland funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Research Data Scotland M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Research Data Scotland
What does Research Data Scotland do?
Research Data Scotland provides a unified digital data-access service that enables researchers to discover, apply for, and use public sector datasets for research in the public good. Its core offering is the Researcher Access Service, a digital platform built on Appian that streamlines application submission and tracking, supported by the Scottish Safe Haven Network (a Trusted Research Environment for secure analytics) and the Metadata Catalogue / Data Use Register for dataset discovery and transparency. Synthetic data capabilities complement this by enabling low-risk exploration and code development.
Is Research Data Scotland a public or private company?
Research Data Scotland is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Research Data Scotland founded?
Research Data Scotland was founded in 2019. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Research Data Scotland based?
Research Data Scotland is headquartered in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Research Data Scotland make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Government Funding is the primary driver. The others are partnership Services.
Who are Research Data Scotland's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are DARE UK (Data and Analytics Research Environments UK), Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) and Administrative Data Research UK (ADR UK). Others are Public Health Scotland, National Records of Scotland and EPCC (University of Edinburgh). Regional players are SAIL Databank (Swansea University) and DataLoch (South-East Scotland). Genomics England is listed as an emerging player. ONS Secure Research Service is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Research Data Scotland have an API?
No public API is recorded for Research Data Scotland.
What industry is Research Data Scotland in?
Research Data Scotland's product category is Public Sector Data Access Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDADAIAN, Public Transparency Portals & Open Data Reporting, with a secondary code of EDAEAGAF, Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing). Its NAICS code is 519 and its SIC code is 7370.