CSO–UCD Collaboration Showcases the Power of High-Value Datasets

Tá leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil anseo.

A recent collaboration between the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and University College Dublin (UCD) has highlighted the growing potential of EU-defined High Value Datasets (HVDs) to support research, innovation, and public-sector decision-making. The initiative invited students from UCD’s School of Computer Science to explore CSO HVDs and develop interactive visualisations.

Five standout projects were shortlisted by UCD academic staff and presented at a dedicated event in the CSO on in January. The session brought together senior CSO leadership, UCD staff, representatives from the DPER Open Data Team, and a range of public-sector stakeholders working to advance Ireland’s Open Data ecosystem.

Showcasing Student Innovation

The student projects demonstrated impressive technical skill and creativity, focusing on themes such as:

• Household income distribution
• Birth and fertility trends
• Trade by enterprise characteristics
• Regional employment patterns
• Population change and migration
• A composite “vulnerability index” combining multiple datasets

Each dashboard transformed raw CSO data into clear, compelling, and interactive visual narratives. The presentations generated strong engagement during the Q&A session, highlighting the value of HVDs for storytelling, policy analysis, and academic research.

Recognition and Celebration at the CSO

The event also included an address by CSO Director General, Jennifer Banim, who congratulated the finalists and emphasised the important role of High Value Datasets in supporting transparency, innovation, and evidence-based policy. Certificates were presented to the shortlisted students:

• Charlotte Moremen
• Yangzong Baima
• Xiaoxia Jin
• Justin Perry Doyle
• Cian Boyle

A Model for Future Engagement

The initiative has been regarded as both highly successful and cost-effective, demonstrating a strong model for increasing awareness and reuse of High Value Datasets across the public, academic, and research communities. Building on this success, plans are now being considered to expand the programme to involve additional third-level institutions nationwide in future years.

About High Value Datasets

Under the EU Open Data Directive, High Value Datasets are categories of public data considered particularly beneficial for innovation, economic activity, and societal impact. Ireland continues to perform strongly in this area, with the CSO providing a wide range of HVDs to support transparency and evidence-based decision-making. HVDs are easily accessible via the data.cso.ie and data.gov.ie portals.