Data Access: Scientific Use Files
Scientific use files (SUF) are factually anonymous datasets offered to researchers of scientific institutions for analysis.
Please note that some datasets are availablev as SUF as well as weakly anonymous versions, which can be analysed via on-site use or remote data access. For data confidentiality reasons, the SUFs contain fewer and further aggregated variables.
How to apply for the data?
How to modify an existing agreement?
Publishing the results
What to keep in mind when the contract period ends?
Confidentiality
How to apply for the data?
Make an application
To apply for a SUF please fill in the request form. After completing the form, please send your request as a Word document by e-mail to the FDZ (iab.fdz@iab.de). Please note that requests which are not submitted as Word documents will not be processed. An information sheet is available to help you fill in the request form.
Request form SUF
Information sheet
After verification of the data request documents the FDZ decides whether the researcher shall be granted permission to use the data.
Use Agreement
If permission is granted the user is sent the data use agreement, which has to be filled in, signed and sent back to the FDZ (in duplicate and in hard copy). Afterwards the Scientific Use File may be downloaded from an exchange server via a secure internet connection by the user.
Installation guide to import a certificate
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How to modify an existing agreement?
In the case of existing agreements, amendments concerning the following aspects can be incorporated via a supplementary data use agreement:
- Project end
- Data requirement
- Address of the premises where the data are held and processed
- Data security concept
- Inclusion of further members of staff
Request form amendments
Information sheet
Changes in the contents of the project and changes of the institution conducting the research or amendments after the contract has expired require a new request for data use.
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Publishing the results
Researchers’ publications based on FDZ data must include a reference to the used datasets.
Citation of the data in publications
One copy of every publication must be submitted to the FDZ.
What to keep in mind when the contract period ends?
The use of the data is limited to the duration of the use agreement. Thereafter, all extracts and copies of the data have to be deleted. A confirmation of data deletion signed by either the institution’s head or data protection officer must be submitted to the FDZ.
Form “data deletion”
Confidentiality
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