The NILS and NIMS microdata are invaluable resources for a variety of research studies, focussing on a range of topics such as mental health, migration, commuting and working patterns. To find out more, please consult the NILS-RSU website or the NILS Annual Report.
Useful NILS Documentation
Please consider the following policies and procedures documentation before continuing with your application:
See the NILS metadata for information on the NILS variables, sample structure, and sample membership
The NILS project modification form can be completed and submitted to RSU during the analysis phase if the research team identify the need for minor adjustments to timeframes, data, and research team members. This form can also be used to request the project be de-archived
Univariate Synthetic Data
NILS Univariate Synthetic data can now be requested to facilitate remote writing of code without needing access to the real data and the secure room. Please note that timescales for producing the univariate synthetic data may vary according to resources and volume of requests.
Research Approvals Group
NILS projects will be considered by the Research Approvals Group (RAG), and are only approved when the following conditions are met:
- that there is a longitudinal aspect to the research;
- that the project relates to Health and Social Care research;
- that the project supports the development/delivery of public policy
For more details please see the NILS RAG criteria.
Dates of NILS RAG:
Application deadline: 26 January 2021 | NILS RAG: 9 February 2021
Application deadline: 25 May 2021 | NILS RAG: 8 June 2021
Application deadline: 27 July 2021 | NILS RAG: 10 August 2021
Application deadline: 28 September 2021 | NILS RAG: 12 October 2021
Application deadline: 30 November 2021 | NILS RAG: 14 December 2021
Time frame
Ethics for NILS Projects
The NILS database has ethical approval from ORECNI. However, if the potential project intends to link health data to the NILS database, further ethical approval is required. This ethical approval must be applied for by the research team. Further information can be obtained through the ORECNI website
Apply for a NILS Project
To apply for a NILS project click the link and follow the instructions: