Modes of delivery of research data

Unit level data can be released for research use as sample data. If the desired data may not be released outside Statistics Finland for privacy protection reasons, they can be used in a controlled environment at the Research Laboratory or via the remote access system.

For further information about obtaining data for research purposes, please contact: tutkijapalvelut@stat.fi.

Release of sample data to the researcher

Statistics Finland's data can be tailored for research use, for example, by drawing samples of certain target populations from them.

Ways of forming research data:

Combining of data files of Statistics Finland
Combining of data files of Statistics Finland and other authorities
Combining of data of Statistics Finland with data collected by the researcher

Releasing of data outside Statistics Finland is possible only within the limitations imposed by data disclosure rules. For example, unit level data on individual persons or households may be released only provided either direct or indirect identification of individuals from them is prevented.

Use at the Research Laboratory

The Research Laboratory is primarily intended for the implementation of extensive academic research projects. At the Laboratory, researchers can handle protected data by using computers specially reserved for them.

The researchers have at their disposal several ready-made datasets with which they can combine other data of Statistics Finland or their own data. From the point of further development of the ready-made datasets, we especially welcome research projects which generate new datasets that can then be utilised by the entire research community.

By renting a research workstation, the visiting researcher receives

Access to specifically defined protected data
Guidance on the possibilities and limitations of the data
The necessary IT support

The data are mainly in SAS software format. In addition, analyses can be made by using, for example, the Stata, SPSS and R software. Research results and other material may only be removed from the Research Laboratory via a screening procedure. The use of the Research Laboratory is invoiced in accordance with the price list of researcher services.

Remote access system

An organisation can draw up a contract with Statistics Finland about the use of the remote access system, with which the researcher gains access to Statistics Finland's server from his/her workstation via the web. The researcher can then use Statistics Finland's data in a protected environment. Research results and other material may only be removed from the system via a screening procedure.

Logging into the system requires special user names and passwords.
Log data are collected on the use of the system for invoicing, and for the maintenance and control of the system.
The use of the system is invoiced in accordance with the price list of researcher services.
Statistics Finland bears the responsibility for the maintenance of the remote access system during office hours.
The contact person of the customer can assist in problem situations.

Logging into the remote access system>>>

Last updated 1.2.2012

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