In July Irish Social Science Data Archive (ISSDA), based in UCD Library, launched its new data repository ISSDA Dataverse, a modern platform that significantly enhances how users access, discover, and work with archived social science data.

Supported by funding from Research Ireland, ISSDA Dataverse offers multiple benefits to users including ease of data access, discoverability, and use. The open-source platform also increases the FAIRness of deposited data. Speaking at the launch, UCD Library’s Director of Collections and Digital Services Arlene Healy congratulated the Dataverse Implementation Group, adding:

“UCD Library is proud to take this step in supporting open access, transparency, and responsible stewardship of data for future generations.”

ISSDA joined CESSDA in 2021 as Ireland’s National Service Provider and the launch of ISSDA Dataverse in July marks a significant milestone for the service. For the first time, ISSDA datasets are discoverable in the CESSDA Data Catalogue furthering ISSDA’s mission to ensure wide access to quantitative datasets in the social sciences, and advance the promotion of international comparative studies of the Irish economy and Irish society.

The Dataverse Implementation Group (left to right) - Jade Smith,
Michelle Dalton, Ruby O’Riordan, Vanessa Buckley, Arlene Healy,
and Peter Clarke. Audrey Drohan is also part of the team, but is not in the photo. 

ISSDA Dataverse is the culmination of an excellent working relationship over the past year between the ISSDA Dataverse Implementation Group and 4Science, the provider selected to support and maintain the service. The Dataverse Implementation Group included staff from ISSDA and across UCD Library with service knowledge, technical and research support expertise.

A screenshot from the new ISSDA Dataverse, showing how users can navigate and search through 
social science data sets. 

ISSDA Dataverse brings a number of key benefits for users and depositors. Prior to Dataverse,  researchers seeking access to ISSDA data browsed a list of datasets on the ISSDA website and information on individual data study webpages to find relevant data. With ISSDA Dataverse,  there is now increased discoverability through the new online search interface which combined with the use of standardised metadata terms makes it easier to find relevant datasets. Datasets are grouped together by project or organisation allowing for an enhanced browsing experience. Citing data is also easier with automatic data citations generated in EndNote, RIS, or BibTex formats. The addition of DOIs minted via Datacite provides a persistent and reliable way to identify and access datasets.

New look for the ISSDA Website

The ISSDA website has a new, sleek look. 

In addition to ISSDA’s new data repository, ISSDA migrated to a new look website in May 2025. This was a much needed update as the previous website had been in place prior to ISSDA’s move to UCD Library in 2012. The revamped  ISSDA website has increased web accessibility and a user-friendly interface boosting the user accessibility rating to 93%.  The updated interface hosts new content such as the ISSDA Dataverse User Guide alongside revised and refreshed content including FAQs and guidance on depositing data. The ISSDA website complements ISSDA Dataverse, offering advice for users on managing, accessing, and depositing data.

Combined, ISSDA Dataverse and the new ISSDA website represent a significant improvement in how researchers and data managers interact with Ireland’s leading repository of quantitative social science data.

Explore the ISSDA Dataverse

Explore ISSDA Website