How to apply

I know which datasets I need – what next?

If you feel confident about which pathway you need to take in order to request linked data, you can get in touch directly with the relevant organisation’s Client Services team.

To request data from the PHRN using bespoke cross-jurisdictional data linkage, get in touch with the PHRN Client Services team. For single jurisdiction data linkage, get in touch with the relevant Client Services team.

To request data from the National Health Data Hub, contact NHDH@aihw.gov.au.

Working with PHRN

1. Consultation

2. Application

3. Approval

4. Data linkage

5. Data access and
analysis

6. Publication
  • 1. Consultation

    Reach out to PHRN with a research question and your data needs in mind. Work with PHRN to refine your project. We can advise you on which datasets and data source/s are best suited to your project needs, taking into account data availability and constraints.

  • 2. Application

    Create and submit an expression of interest (EOI) or quote request using the PHRN Online Application System (OAS). We can coordinate with Data Linkage Units to understand what project details are required for approval criteria to be met. See tips and more information on how to create a strong application.

  • 3. Approval

    Receive conditional approval from data custodians and a technical feasibility letter from the relevant data linkage unit/s. Researchers are also required to apply for ethics approval. The relevant DLU’s client services officer will provide guidance on your ethics and governance approval requirements. Find out more about the role of DLUs, data custodians, and ethics committees.

  • 4. Data linkage

    The data linkage units bring together information from different datasets thought to relate to the same person. DLUs link health and other human services datasets to provide data for approved research, using methods which minimise risks to people’s privacy. Data is securely transferred to a secure access environment for access by the research team.

  • 5. Data access and analysis

    Receive access to your linked data. Linkage keys are attached to the data required for analysis for the approved linked data project. Researchers can then perform analyses across datasets using the unique linkage keys to pull information together without knowing a person’s identity. The secure access environment ensures data remains secure at all times and is only accessible to those authorised to analyse the project data.

  • 6. Publication

    The PHRN considers the dissemination of scientific research findings serves important public interests including the dissemination of knowledge; freedom of discussion throughout society; openness and transparency; and good stewardship of public resources used to conduct research. Data sharing agreement/s will outline approvals required for publication and any acknowledgement statements to be included.