About us

The HSRC Research Data Service provides a digital repository facility for the HSRC’s research data in support of evidence based human and social development in South Africa and the broader region.

Our mission is to make research data accessible and to ensure its future survival and usability. We strive to

• develop a quantitative and qualitative research data collection of high re-use value that speaks to the priorities of a developing country,
• promote best practice in terms of data management and curation standards,
• promote the use and impact of our data collection,
• build meaningful and enduring relationships with stakeholders, both nationally and internationally, and
• demonstrate excellence in accountability and operations.

The work of the Research Data Service relates to an organisational imperative stipulated in Section 3 of the Human Sciences Research Council Act, Act 17 of 2008 to develop and make data sets available data sets underpinning research, policy development and public discussion of developmental issues. The data curation process is governed inter alia by the HSRC Data Preservation Policy and the HSRC Data Sharing Policy.

We facilitate data use by preparing comprehensive metadata and by disseminating data and related documents to appropriate target audiences. Data sharing is subject to an End User License agreement. Access to data is managed on-line and we protect any information collected from data users during registration.

Assistance is provided in the form of an email help desk. The help desk is staffed from 09:00 to 15:00 on normal weekdays, excluding South African and HSRC holidays.

We welcome feedback on our work and the services that we provide.