TILDA Hosts Another Successful Data Workshop
Posted on 11th February 2025
On 6th February 2025, TILDA hosted its latest Data Workshop, continuing its commitment to enhancing capacity and capability in the use of TILDA data among the research community in Ireland. Since launching in November 2023, these workshops have provided attendees with a structured and interactive learning experience, equipping them with the skills needed to effectively use TILDA’s rich longitudinal datasets.
The TILDA Data Workshops combine short lectures and hands-on experience with the dataset. Attendees gain an in-depth understanding of:
- Survey Design
- Data Structure
- Survey Weighting
- Longitudinal Social, Biomedical, and Cognitive Data
Through interactive sessions, participants work with simulated TILDA data, allowing them to become familiar with the dataset’s structure before embarking on their own research projects. The sessions cater to all experience levels, from undergraduate students to senior researchers, ensuring accessibility and usability for a broad academic and professional audience.
Opportunities for Researchers
These workshops also provide a valuable opportunity for researchers to explore the different routes for accessing TILDA data, depending on their specific research needs. Attendees engage directly with senior members of the TILDA team, including the TILDA Co-PI, Project Manager, Senior Data Manager, and Biostatistician. Hosted in the TILDA offices, the workshops foster meaningful discussions and collaborations between attendees and TILDA researchers with shared interests.
Expanding Data Access & International Reach
TILDA has incorporated feedback from previous workshops to improve data accessibility and has developed new initiatives such as a remotely accessible Trusted Research Environment. This innovation will expand access for students and researchers, overcoming the limitations of traditional on-site access methods. Additionally, an online ‘abridged’ version of the workshop has been delivered to support international data users.
Growing Participation & Demand
Since their inception, TILDA has hosted five in-person workshops, welcoming over 70 in-person attendees and more than 40 online participants. Attendees have included undergraduate and postgraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and lecturers from TCD, UL, NUIG, UCD, NUI, ATU, TUS, TUD, RCSI, SETU, UCC, and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. The workshops have also attracted representatives from key external stakeholder groups, including:
- HRCDC (Health Research Consent Declaration Committee)
- Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute
- Irish College of General Practitioners
- Nursing Homes Ireland
- Economic and Social Research Institute
- Department of Health
- HSE
- Health Research Board
- Irish Gerontological Society (IGS), represented by Emer Aherne (IGS President)
With continued demand for additional dates and externally hosted workshops, TILDA remains dedicated to supporting researchers in accessing and utilising its world-class dataset for impactful research. The next workshop will be held in May/June 2025 - exact date yet to be confirmed.
For more infomation about the Data Workshops, click here