Often, the best sources for answers to your questions are fellow data users. You can keep up-to-date with what's happening in your data community by joining one of our new online forums.

For example, join in the discussion on whether teaching datasets are useful for students new to data analysis or comment on recent research which used the Health Surveys for England to explore ethnic inequalities in health.

The UK Data Service has developed a suite of dedicated user forums so you can share experiences of data analysis and research, information, research, tips on data usage and interact with like-minded data users.

Follow the links to visit our special-interest Google+ Communities and Facebook group:

· International data user community

For users who want to discuss and share knowledge and expertise on international data including socio-economic data from the World Bank, OECD, IMF, IEA and the UN.

· Census data user community

For users to discuss and share their knowledge and expertise on Census data including aggregate, flow/interactive, boundary and micro data.

· Health surveys user community

For users who would like to engage in discussion and share knowledge and expertise on Health Survey data (this includes any survey with health-related content).

· Teacher/Lecturer user community

This space is intended for educators to discuss and share their knowledge and expertise on using UKDS data in their research/teaching.

· Student forum (via Facebook)

For students who would like peer-to-peer support and information on using data in their research and learning.

To use the Google+ Communities you will need to create or sign in with your Google account and to use the Facebook forum you will need to create or sign into your Facebook account. These user communities are intended to be used as user-led forums that provide a source of peer-to-peer support and information for users of UK Data Service data.

While members of the UK Data Service will participate, the forums will not replace existing user support channels - if you wish UK Data Service staff to respond to your query, please continue to use the link and 'Get in touch with the UK Data Service'.

Remember, you can be notified of any updates to these pages by clicking on the bell icon at the top right-hand corner of the google community.

Resources