Research Data Scotland

Research Data Scotland (RDS) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2020 by the Scottish Government with a mission to improve economic and social wellbeing in Scotland by enabling access to data about people, places, and businesses. RDS aims to unlock the power of public sector data to facilitate quicker and simpler research, ultimately contributing to societal improvement. The organization acts as a connector between researchers and public sector data, working in partnership with leading universities and public bodies, including Public Health Scotland (PHS) and National Records Scotland (NRS). RDS provides system leadership to transform Scotland’s public sector data systems by aligning and simplifying policies and approaches. It does so by widening the range of available data, creating new data assets, and offering a single point of contact for effective access to public sector data. Moreover, as a charitable organization funded by the Scottish Government, RDS is positioned to make a meaningful impact on society. Despite a lack of specific information regarding the last investment and investors, RDS's initiative to leverage data for societal benefit aligns with the current focus on data-driven solutions. With its strong partnerships and support from the Scottish Government, RDS is well-positioned to drive positive change in Scotland's social and economic landscape.