ESDS International is a Jisc/ESRC funded service which provides the UK academic community with free online access to the major databanks produced by international governmental organisations such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the United Nations. The service also supports the use of these databanks in teaching and research through the provision of a helpdesk for user queries, comprehensive documentation and training.
ESDS International also provides access to a range of international survey datasets including the European Social Survey and Eurobarometer.
The service aims to promote and facilitate increased and more effective use of international datasets in research, learning and teaching across a range of disciplines.
Databases hosted by ESDS International include the major statistical publications of:
In July 2012, the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) announced that all of ESDS will join the UK Data Service, to be established as of October 1, 2012.