DataLab
Analyse the most detailed microdata in the secure DataLab for your statistical research or modelling, find out about costs and how to access
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What is DataLab
DataLab is the analysis solution for high-end users who want to undertake real time complex analysis of detailed microdata. Compare data services to see if detailed microdata in the DataLab is the right service for you.
Features
- view and analyse unit record information
- recent versions of analytical software, including R, SAS, Stata and Python
- virtual access to files that remain in the secure ABS environment
- all analytical output that you want to use outside DataLab are checked by the ABS before release
Who can access DataLab
Researchers who meet ABS safe people criteria, including:
- ability to use at least one of the statistical analytical languages available in the DataLab
- at least three years of either quantitative research experience or university study with a significant component working with quantitative data, or have a referral from an experienced researcher working on the same project
- located in Australia when accessing the microdata
- belong to an Australian organisation (international researchers and organisations will be considered on a case by case basis)
- have completed ABS safe researcher training and refresher training as per ABS refresher policy
- have completed all relevant undertakings and declarations
- belong to an organisation with a Responsible Officer Undertaking in place with the ABS
- have an approved safe project that is for statistical and/or research purposes and demonstrates public value
- meet additional criteria that apply to specific microdata
Detailed microdata in the DataLab
- designed specifically for use within the DataLab environment
- direct identifiers (such as names and addresses) removed
- further appropriate confidentiality applied within the context of the other security features of the DataLab
- topics include Census, health, education, labour force, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, migrants, crime, business, disabilities, ageing and carers
- datasets include ABS survey results, administrative data collected by other organisations and integrated datasets
- data item lists are linked in detailed microdata topics in the DataLab
Limited release detailed microdata in the DataLab
Some datasets have been released on a limited basis. This includes BLADE and custom MADIP detailed microdata, which are available for approved projects to the following approved users:
- government employees
- government contractors and individuals sponsored by government
- academics
- researchers from public policy research institutes
Cost
Approved users can access standard detailed microdata in DataLab for approved projects. This includes:
- ABS survey and census collections
- Data ABS has collected from other organisations (with custodian approval)
- Integrated microdata such as:
- Multi-Agency Data Integration Project (MADIP) modular product
- Business Longitudinal Analysis Data Environment (BLADE) Core plus BLADE standard module (various ABS surveys), Intellectual Property Longitudinal Research Data (IPLORD) and Merchandise Imports and Exports
- MADIP/BLADE linked data
Additional charges apply for customised data integration services.
DataLab charges - 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023
Standard DataLab access incurs an annual fee. This fee is based on the number of users with virtual machine access in a project. The fee covers annual costs of:
- Project establishment and ongoing administration
- Standard virtual machine access for users
- Standard software access for users (e.g. R, Python, Stata)
- Changes to users and discussants within a project
- Project storage
Charges for new projects commencing within the 2022-23 financial year will be calculated quarterly, based on the timing of the project commencement. These costs will be charged at the commencement of the project.
For example, for a project commencing in October 2022, charges for the annual fee, use of SAS and use of machines above large will be calculated on the basis of three quarters of the 2022-23 financial year.
Type of user | Annual fee (per project) |
---|---|
Government (Commonwealth, State and Territory, Local) GST not applicable | $2,000 up to 5 users with standard virtual machine access
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Approved non-government researchers (including public policy research institutes and academics not covered by the ABS/Universities Australia agreement) GST applicable | $2,200 up to 5 users with standard virtual machine access
|
Academics working on academic projects at universities covered by the ABS/Universities Australia agreement |
|
MADIP/BLADE enduring data custodians |
|
Annual charges per person per project | GST not applicable | GST applicable |
---|---|---|
Use of SAS | $500 | $550 |
Virtual machines above large (standard virtual machines are included in the annual fee and comprise machines up to and including the large size) | $6,500 (minimum) | $7,150 (minimum) |
Applying for DataLab
Step 1. Register and activate your account
Register and agree to conditions of use
- Use your organisation email address when registering to join your organisation automatically
- Receive an email asking you to activate your account by clicking on the link
- If you are not sure if you have previously registered, contact data.services@abs.gov.au before re-registering
- If you are a user in more than one organisation, you will need to register separately using each organisation's email address
Step 2. Submit project proposal
Project proposals
- Projects must be for statistical and/or research purposes and provide public benefit
- Projects must not be for compliance or regulatory purposes
- Include the purpose and expected outcomes of your project
- List the datasets you will be analysing and members of your research team
- Describe your statistical and analytical experience
To discuss your project requirements and data options refer to the Contact us page
Project proposal template
\(\Huge 🗎\) ABS DataLab project proposal.docx
Step 3. Seek approval
User approval
- You must have statistical experience or be referred by an experienced researcher on your project team
- You must be able to use the analytical languages in the DataLab
- You must have a commitment to protect the confidentiality of data
- Every member of your project team who will see or discuss uncleared output (whether or not they will be using DataLab) needs to be approved
Project approval
- Every project needs to be approved by ABS
- Some projects also require consideration by data custodians
Step 4. Complete safe researcher training
- See DataLab safe researcher training to enrol
- You can register to complete your training while we are considering your project proposal
Step 5. Submit documentation
There are legal documents you must sign before accessing microdata in the DataLab
- Your organisation's CEO (or equivalent) signs the Responsible Officer Undertaking on behalf of your organisation
- You need to submit these documents after completing safe researcher training:
- Individual Undertaking and DataLab Declaration of Compliance
- DataLab quiz
- additional documents relevant to particular datasets, if requested by ABS
- if you are not an experienced researcher, you may need to submit a DataLab Referral
Refer to the 'Using DataLab responsibly' page for more information.
Privacy policy
The ABS privacy policy and DataLab privacy notice outline how the ABS handles any personal information that you provide to us.