Application for data use

Thank you for your interest in the micro-data of the Research Data Centre of the German Pension Insurance. You can find all important information on applications for data use on this page. Please note the information on the rights of use and obligations as well as data protection and data security before submitting an application.

How do I receive access to the data?

The data of the Research Data Centre of the German Pension Insurance is made available exclusively for independent scientific research.

Data access is granted on a project basis for projects engaged in the topic of social security. Regardless of the type of access, an application must always be submitted in order to use the data. Applications are submitted electronically via the portal.

Please note that applications for data use may only be submitted by individuals who hold a doctorate. For qualification work (master or doctoral theses), please enter the supervisor (who must hold a doctorate) as the project leader and add yourself as a further party involved in the next step. Once the FDZ-RV has received the application, the application will be reviewed. In the event of a positive decision, a data usage agreement will then be prepared.

The agreement must be signed by the project leader and returned to the FDZ-RV in PDF format. Please also note the data protection statement enclosed to the agreement. The data protection statement must also be signed in acceptance. Once we receive the signed agreement complete with enclosures, a link for downloading the data will be sent in the case of off-site access. For on-site access, data access will be provided in consultation with the FDZ-RV. By submitting a supplementary application, data users may be added for an existing research project, additional data products ordered or an extension to the usage period requested. The Research Data Centre will make a decision on data provision based on the details included in the application. In this connection, we refer to the information on data access as well as the rights of use and obligations.

What information is required?

Name and address of the requesting research institute
Name and contact details of the project leader (doctorate required)
Name and contact details of other data users
Description of the research project and methods applied
Justification for data use
Requested datasets and survey years
Requested form of data access
Preferred analysis software
Start and end of use

What should be kept in mind?

After completing the application form or supplementary application, it is imperative to press the “Send application” button. A PDF version of the completed application form or supplementary application will be displayed. This PDF must be signed and emailed to the FDZ-RV in order to enable conclusion of an agreement with the FDZ-RV. You can find further help on completing an application in the step-by-step guide. In the event of any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

Monika Krämer

Organisation
E-Mail: monika.kraemer@drv-bund.de
Telephone: 030 865-89591

Petra Stipcic

Organisation
E-Mail: petra.stipcic@drv-bund.de
Telephone: 030 865-89547

Step-by-step guide

Use of data in academic studies

Students can also use the Scientific Use Files in the context of their master theses. On-site and off-site use are permitted in this case. However, the application for data use must be submitted by a doctorate holder in the supervising professorship. Please also note the general information and conditions before submitting an application.