MnRDC Newsletter | Fall 2017

MnRDC Newsletter | Fall 2017 

Data Announcements 

Harmonized Decennial Census
IPUMS harmonized Decennial Census data are now available in the FSRDCs. IPUMS collaborated with the Census Bureau to convert restricted microdata from the Decennial Censuses of 1960 through 2000 into IPUMS format, including IPUMS constructed variables. The standardized codes in the FSRDC version match public IPUMS codes, although in some cases the FSRDC version has more detail. Contact Rachelle or IPUMS user support for more information.

CPS Supplements
Many CPS supplements are now available for use in the MnRDC for approved projects. The list of currently available supplements is below, though the exact years of availability may vary.

  • Computer and Internet Use Supplement
  • Fertility Supplement
  • Food Security Supplement
  • School Enrollment Supplement
  • Tobacco Use Supplement
  • Unbanked and Underbanked Supplement
  • Volunteer Supplement
  • Voting and Registration Supplement

Additional information can be found at the Center for Economic Studies' demographic data page. Please contact Rachelle if you have an interest in these or other supplements that are currently unavailable through the FSRDCs.

Data from BEA
Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) is preparing to make their data available in the FSRDCs. Data will include Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as well as Trade in Services. BEA is transitioning their existing Special Sworn Researcher program to the FSRDC and will be approving a limited number of projects. Contact Cathy Fitch if you are interested in this data.

State Small Business Credit Initiative
Data from the State Small Business Credit Initiative is currently being linked to the SSEL by a team of researchers. The data is currently in development but is expected to be available in 2018. 

BLS data
Bureau of Labor Statistics is expanding their offerings available through the FSRDCs. In addition to the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth and the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, the following datasets will be available in the coming months. Find information about these datasets and the application process on the BLS website.

  • National Compensation Survey
  • Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries
  • International Prices Microdata

General Announcements

IRIS Funding Opportunity
The Census Bureau partnered with the University of Michigan's Institute for Research on Innovation and Science (IRIS) to create the UMETRICS dataset and allow researchers to investigate the impact of research funding on the broader economy. Data are useful for analyzing the social and economic effects of research investments; the scientific production function; the career outcomes and earnings of graduate students and trainees; questions pertaining to science and engineering workforce and the STEM pipeline; and many other possible topics. IRIS has a call for proposal for IRIS research awards, funding small grants for graduate students, early career scholars and established scholars. Due date is November 1.

Proposal Development
Do you have an idea for a research project in the MnRDC? Feel free to contact us to discuss possible research opportunities. Rachelle is available to help clarify what data may be available, the requirements for using the data, and in developing a proposal. To get you started, a list of available datasets can be found here. Contact Rachelle at 612.626.4365 or [email protected] to get started. 

Future Newsletters
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MnRDC User News

Upcoming Holidays and Events:

  • 10/19 — Rachelle is out of the office
  • 11/10 — Federal Holiday
  • 1/22 - 11/27 — Rachelle is out of the office
  • 12/25 — Federal Holiday
  • 12/26 - 12/29 — Rachelle is out of the office
  • 1/1 — Federal Holiday
  • 1/15 — Federal Holiday

As a federal facility, the RDC is not supported on federal holidays. Also, unless researchers make arrangements in advance, Rachelle will be working from home on days when the University is closed. Additional information regarding coverage days that Rachelle is out of the office will be sent closer to the dates listed above.

MnRDC is part of Federal Statistical Research Data Centers