For Researchers

For Researchers Collaborating with CHDS

The study has a wide range of data that are available to researchers for quantitative analysis. We have summarises of the types of questions we have asked our cohort members and their parents over the years. In addition to these interviews, between the ages of 6 and 13, teachers were also asked to complete questionnaires covering topics such as classroom behaviour, learning ability and attendance. We also have summaries of the psychometric tests that were administered during childhood to evaluate our cohort members’ educational attainment and cognitive ability.

  1. Request Data Access

    Request Data Access

    To begin a collaboration, please email us at chds.uoc@otago.ac.nz with:

    • A brief description of your research question or hypothesis
    • Proposed variables or topic areas of interest
    • Affiliation and research team members
    • Funding status, if relevant
    • Intended outputs (e.g., publication, thesis, policy report)

    Once we review your request, we will:

    • Confirm whether relevant data exist
    • Work with you to refine variables if needed
    • Provide access to our data dictionary and metadata
    • Prepare a custom dataset for your use

    Please read the following sections on this page to learn more about collaborating with CHDS and using CHDS data. 

  1. Data Access Conditions

    Data Access Conditions

    CHDS Data Access is Governed & Controlled

    Because CHDS contains sensitive personal information, access is governed by strict ethical and confidentiality requirements. Collaborating researchers must agree to:

    • Use data only for approved research purposes
    • Not attempt to identify participants
    • Store data securely according to institutional requirements
    • Obtain ethics approval where required
    • Destroy or return datasets at project completion

    Data are not publicly downloadable, and raw data are not transferred to third parties without approval. Some analyses may occur onsite or through secure access platforms, depending on sensitivity.

  1. Collaboration & Authorship Expectations

    Collaboration & Authorship Expectations

    We operate on a collaborative model

    Outputs or publications using CHDS data generally require:

    • CHDS investigator(s) to be included as a co-author, this also typically means input or oversight of the methodology explanation, contextual knowledge, data interpretation, and limitations. 
    • Review of manuscripts prior to submission to ensure scientific accuracy and responsible reporting.
    • Outputs that use CHDS must acknowledge the CHDS Study Members and those who have significantly contributed to the collection of the data. 

    If (Masters or PhD) candidates are leading the project, supervision arrangements must be established and confirmed by all in the supervision team.

  1. Ethics & Oversight Considerations

    Ethics & Oversight Considerations

    Costs & Support 

    In some cases, cost recovery may apply for staff time spent preparing bespoke datasets or conducting specialised analyses. Fees will be discussed in advance and depend on project scope.

    Ethics & Governance

    All use of CHDS data is overseen by:

    • The CHDS Advisory Board
    • The CHDS Participant Advisory Board
    • The CHDS International Intellectual Advisory Board
    • University of Otago and University of Canterbury Research Governance
    • Health and disability ethics requirements

    Researchers may need to submit an ethics application to their home institution before accessing data.

  1. Additional Supports

    Additional Supports

    CHDS may provide additional supports for those who are looking to collaborate with us and access the data. Additional supports may include, but not limited to:

    • Guidance on variable selection and study context
    • Support with longitudinal and causal modelling issues
    • Access to derived variables and established measures
    • Cohort demographic and attrition information
    • Intergenerational linking in the data and analysis