CLSA Data Access

Data from 51,388 participants in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) are now available to the research community. A fundamental principle of the CLSA is that data be made available to the research community as soon as it is feasible, while protecting the privacy, confidentiality and consent of participants. Ease of access and timely use of the data are critical to the success of CLSA research platform.

The complete and current list of all available data is detailed on the CLSA Data and Biospecimens webpage. You can expect data to be released approximately 6 to 12 months following completion of a major data collection event.

The CLSA data are currently available to approved public sector researchers in Canada and elsewhere, with no preferential or exclusive access for any individual.  Currently there is no provision to transfer biospecimens to applicants outside of Canada, however, international researchers may choose to collaborate with Canadian researchers to access biospecimens, as long as the biospecimens are analyzed in Canada.

Researchers who are interested in accessing the data are invited to submit data access requests using Magnolia, the CLSA's online data access application system. Requests to access the CLSA data are reviewed by the Data and Sample Access Committee (DSAC).

Please consult the relevant sections of the CLSA website before preparing an application, including:

• Data Access,
• Data and Sample Access Policy and Guiding Principles,
• CLSA protocol(s),
• CLSA Data Collection Tools,
• Data Access Application Process and deadlines.

Fee waivers for trainees

The CLSA provides data to qualifying graduate students and postdoctoral and clinical fellows at no cost (some restrictions apply).

To learn more about submitting trainee applications, consult the CLSA Data Access for Trainees webpage.

Date modified:

2024-08-12