The role of the NISRA Research Support Unit (RSU) is to allow researchers safe access to project specific de-identified data in a secure environment in order to carry out secondary data analysis.
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NISRA Research Support Unit
The role of the NISRA Research Support Unit (RSU) is to allow researchers safe access to project specific de-identified data in a secure environment in order to carry out secondary data analysis. Access to the data is governed by protocols and procedures to ensure data confidentiality. Researchers are supported by RSU through the application, accreditation, analysis and output processes.
The RSU is accredited under the Digital Economy Act
The RSU provides support to researchers accessing the Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study (NILS), the Northern Ireland Mortality Study (NIMS), and data through Administrative Data Research NI (ADR NI).
Research Pathways
- 'Health' only data projects: Projects requiring only 'health data' proceed under the Honest Broker Service processes.
- 'Health' and RG data projects: Projects requiring 'health' and RG data (e.g. Census/GRO data) proceed under Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study (NILS) processes under the Census Act (NI) 1969.
- 'Health' linked to other NICS departmental datasets: There is currently no legal gateway in Northern Ireland for projects using a combination of 'health' and other public-body data
- 'Non-Health' data projects: Projects requiring 'non-health data' proceed under processes laid out under the Digital Economy Act 2017 research clauses (See Administrative Data Research NI or NILS for more details).
Please note: if there is anything within these webpages that you do not find accurate or complete, please contact RSU on the following email.
Contact Details:
Research Support Unit
Colby House
Stranmillis Court
BELFAST
BT9 5RR
Telephone: +44(0) 28 90 388488
Email: rsu@nisra.gov.uk