Gateway to Knowledge: Accessing Data from Established European Social Science Research Programmes

This webinar addressed common challenges faced by researchers when trying to access and reuse data or instruments from established European social science surveys. It offered practical guidance on navigating access procedures, understanding usage conditions, and applying data effectively in one’s own research. Participants were introduced to key portals and services that facilitate access to high-quality datasets from longstanding, internationally recognized social science research programmes. The session covered important aspects such as data licensing, documentation standards, research IDs, and proper citation practices. Through concrete examples and step-by-step explanations, the webinar helped attendees better understand: How to identify and access relevant social science datasets across Europe; What terms of use, licenses, and restrictions may apply to reuse; How to properly cite datasets and instruments in academic outputs; What practical resources and guidelines are available to support data reuse; How to comply with access conditions and research requirements. At the end of the session, attendees were equipped with curated resources, links, and best practices to confidently integrate secondary data into their work and ensure ethical, legal, and methodologically sound reuse. Recording available on CESSDA Training YouTube channel.