Nexer Digital has completed a £300k project to create a new Data Access Service for Research Data Scotland.
The investment has been made to make it easier for researchers to get access to crucial health and social datasets in the country.
Macclesfield-based Nexer helped design and build the service and created a website to reduce the time it takes users to identify and access data “without compromising scrutiny or security .”
“Research Data Scotland engaged Nexer Digital following a competitive tender process,” explained Hugh Wallace, Chief Information Officer at RDS.
“They subsequently delivered a comprehensive overhaul of RDS’s website, overarching service design and a detailed technology appraisal to consider RDS’s next generation case management options. Nexer’s team are not only highly skilled and dedicated but also very much on our wavelength in terms of delivering high-quality, sustainable public services.”
Before the new service, delays were caused by fragmented working methods and paper-based processes. Nexer Digital worked with the newly formed RDS to redesign and streamline the system and process.
A key feature is the integration with a metadata catalogue, allowing researchers to easily access and understand available datasets.
“Accessing public health and social data for research or policy-making can often be complex and time-consuming, leading to missed opportunities,” said Shaun Gomm, Commercial Director at Nexer Digital.
“Through a user-centred design and development process, we built a high-performing website and together designed a new Researcher Access Service that is efficient, accessible and easy to use. This project sets the stage for continued innovation in data access and management, ultimately improving public health and social wellbeing outcomes in Scotland.”
