Access Data
Health Data Australia is designed to make data sharing easier. Researchers can use the platform to send a data request directly to a Data Provider. For some datasets, the Data Provider may require requests to be submitted via their own platform. In these cases, Health Data Australia can still help researchers discover these datasets and find related information and documentation for them, including what their specific access arrangements are.
Requesting clinical trial data
Health Data Australia can be used to directly request access to clinical trial data. Different clinical trial datasets have different governance and requirements for how access is granted (Note: This information is included in the listing of each dataset). However, to make it easier, all datasets listed on Health Data Australia adhere to a common framework for responding to data requests. The platform uses a standardised data request form and workflow for Data Providers to track and respond to data requests while still allowing them to apply their own specific governance requirements for approving access to data.
Overview of the data request process
To discover data for research:
- Find data of use to your research by searching the catalogue.
- If required, enquire. You can contact the Data Provider directly for more information. Their contact information can be found in the catalogue.
- Request access to the data via “Access the data” on the record view page and complete the data request form. The request is sent to the data provider to review.
- If the data provider agrees and the request is approved, they will arrange access to the data.
- Keep track of access to data requests via myHDA.
How to submit and track a data request?
Data requesters must be logged into Health Data Australia to submit data requests. Currently, the only way to login is using AAF credentials ( These credentials are set up by the data requester’s organisation, and the ARDC cannot arrange this on their behalf. If the data requester works at an Australian university, then they likely already have AAF credentials. In most cases, a university username and password can be used. NB. the ARDC will add other ways to login in the future - if you don't have AAF login, please contact services@ardc.edu.au).
Once the user is logged in, they can then click on the ‘Access Data’ button on the listing of the dataset. They will be asked to complete a data request form. Progress can be saved and the form can be submitted at any time.
Once a data request has been submitted, a notification email will be sent about its progress. Progress can be monitored at any time by logging in and viewing the myHDA page.
Who reviews data requests?
The request will be forwarded to the data provider or their delegated representative. Different datasets have different governance requirements (e.g. based on their ethics approval). If the details of these requirements are not listed on Health Data Australia, the data requester can contact the data provider for more information. The data provider will review the data request against their specific requirements and inform the data requester of the outcome. Depending on the details of the request, the data requester may be asked to provide additional information or modify how they propose using the data before the request is approved. In some cases, additional ethics approval may be required. The data provider will let you know if this is the case.
Please note that it is not always possible for data requests to be approved. This may be due to ethical or other limitations. The data provider will let the data requester know if this is the case.
Will a data sharing agreement need to be signed?
Different datasets have different governance requirements but in most cases a formal agreement with the data provider will need to be signed before access is given to data. If your request is approved, the data provider will let you know if an agreement needs to be completed. They will determine what kind of agreement is required and send you a copy to complete.
If my request is approved, how is data accessed?
The specific access method for each dataset is determined by the owner. This may include being sent a link to securely download the data, or being given access via a secure research platform to remotely access the data, or via some other method. The data owner will let you know which methods are available.
Requesting other health data
Health Data Australia is being expanded to incorporate a wider array of data collections, such as health cohort studies, government, and health service data. To stay up to date, please subscribe to our newsletter .