Call for proposal to host and operate the National Node of CESSDA
Research Ireland invites applications from Eligible Research Bodies to host and operate Ireland’s National Node for the Consortium of European Social Science Data Archives (CESSDA ERIC).
| Arrangement period | 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2030 |
| Running-cost provision | €900,000 inclusive of overheads; average annual running cost €225,000 |
| Scope | Maintain the national quantitative social science data service |
| Submission deadline | 4pm on 20 November 2026 |
Purpose
The successful applicant will maintain Ireland’s existing national quantitative social science data service and Ireland’s operational connection with CESSDA. Research Ireland will retain Ireland’s national membership of CESSDA and its role in CESSDA governance.
Required activities
- Operate and maintain a national repository for quantitative social science data, including integration with the CESSDA Data Catalogue and relevant CESSDA standards.
- Provide an expert service to data producers and users, including deposit, curation, preservation, documentation, anonymisation and appropriate access to datasets.
- Assign and manage persistent identifiers, including DataCite Digital Object Identifiers, and support FAIR data and Open Science practices.
- Undertake communication, outreach, training and user-support activities and participate in CESSDA meetings, working groups, committees and work plans.
- Provide governance, risk management and service-continuity arrangements and report on delivery, expenditure, outputs and impact.
Submission requirements and assessment
Applications must include a methodology and delivery plan including governance and risk arrangements; evidence of relevant expertise and technical and institutional capacity; arrangements for national reach and service continuity; and a detailed calendar-year budget. Submissions will be assessed against these requirements and value for money. The application must not exceed four pages excluding the budget.
How to apply
The application form and budget must be submitted together. Applications must be submitted electronically to erics@researchireland.ie by 4pm on 20th November 2026.
