External Data Applications

Overview

CSIRO recognises the value of making publicly available nationally significant datasets held by agencies across government, statutory authorities, universities and research institutes. Data from these agencies are often heterogeneous in nature reflecting the diversity of data producers. It is important to capture and preserve these datasets to inform decision making and policy development.

In 2018, the Data Access Portal first gained international certification as a trusted data repository with the CoreTrustSeal. In 2024 this certification was renewed. A trusted data repository provides assurance that datasets will be preserved and accessible in the long term.

CSIRO Information Management and Technology has developed procedures to accept externally owned data into the Data Access Portal.

Process

Data assets to be included in the Data Access Portal will be appraised against these criteria which are from the Collection Development Plan:

  • Data identified in a collaboration agreement with an external individual or organisation.
  • Data identified in a contract with an external individual or organisation.
  • Data that is used in CSIRO’s research.
  • Data that is the output of CSIRO’s research.
  • Is aligned with the functions of CSIRO as outlined in section 9 of the Science and Industry Research Act 1949.
  • Is aligned with the Minister’s Statement of Expectations and CSIROs Statement of Intent.
  • Data must be publicly accessible and use the Creative Commons framework with a default of CC-BY.

If you would like to apply to deposit data into the CSIRO Data Access Portal, please read, sign and submit the following documents to the relevant research group or Research Data Services.

1) CSIRO Data Access Portal Data Deposit Conditions

2) Data Deposit Form

As noted in the Data Deposit Conditions, deposit is subject to approval by a CSIRO Approver. Also, a CSIRO researcher will need to act as the depositor to create the metadata record and upload files to the Data Access Portal. 

If the data are considered suitable, in addition to requiring the completed forms, you may be asked to provide more detail about the data for the purposes of describing them in the DAP.  A good description of the data is important so potential users can determine the suitability for their research.

If the Data Access Portal is not suitable for your data, check re3data, a global registry of research data repositories.