Now receiving applications: Northern Ireland Census 2021 Comprehensive Microdata

Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) is now receiving applications from accredited researchers to use Northern Ireland Census 2021 Comprehensive Microdata (C21CM) for public good research. NISRA is part of ADR Northern Ireland.

Developed in collaboration with ADR Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Department of Finance, C21CM is a de-identified standalone dataset. It covers 98.5% of person and household records from the Northern Ireland Census 2021, which is conducted by NISRA every 10 years and provides a detailed snapshot of people and households in Northern Ireland.

Areas of research interest

C21CM has been developed in order to advance broad research aims. Given its very high sample fraction, it can reveal insights on a range of areas such as the experiences of hard-to-reach groups. It also offers a comprehensive evidence base for policy development and decision making, as well as the monitoring of public policy in Northern Ireland.

Relevant research themes and policy interests include:

• Exploring socioeconomic and health outcomes for minority ethnic groups
• Comparing individual and household characteristics of stay-at-home parents to working parents
• Analysing the demographic and occupational profile of self-employed workers in Northern Ireland.

How to access the data

Access to C21CM is limited to researchers and research teams with accredited researcher status under the Digital Economy Act 2017 (DEA), subject to approval by each of the data providers and the UK Statistics Authority Research Accreditation Panel. Access to the data will be in the NISRA trusted research environment only.

In the first instance, researchers should complete the Themed Datasets Initial Research Proposal Form and submit this to rsu@nisra.gov.uk. The form asks researchers to summarise the main aim and objectives of their proposed project, as well as the methodological approach that they are intending to use. Researchers must also include details of the data (including a variable list with justifications) and cohort required. Details of any public engagement activities planned as part of their project must also be included.

The NISRA Research Support Unit, in consultation with the data providers, will determine the feasibility of the project prior to the completion of a full application by the researcher(s).

Further information on how to apply for approval is available on the NISRA website. 

For further information about the dataset, visit the C21CM section of the NISRA website. You can also attend an information session on 20 November.