User Surveys on Metadata Requirements for Restricted Access Data, 2024-2025

This data collection comprises responses to two surveys conducted to understand researchers’ requirements for metadata when working with restricted-access data. In contexts such as Trusted Research Environments, where direct access to datasets is limited, researchers must rely on metadata to assess whether data are suitable for their research questions or for linkage with other datasets. These surveys explore what information researchers need to make such decisions effectively.

The first survey informed the development of semi-automated approaches for generating rich, structured metadata to support dataset discovery and evaluation. The second survey gathered feedback on the usefulness and usability of the resulting metadata tools.

The data were collected as part of the Connect4 project, which aims to improve data discovery and linkage across secure research environments. Together, the surveys provide insight into user needs for metadata and support the development of standards and tools for working with sensitive, restricted-access data.