Data and datasets are the raw building blocks of engineering research—they’re the measurements, simulations, and models that make research possible. Using high-quality datasets helps you check results, replicate experiments, and create new designs.
Data Search Engines and Repositories
There are many search platforms and repositories for locating datasets. A list of interdisciplinary resources is listed on this page under the heading Interdisciplinary Data Sources. Lists of some topic-specific resources are also available. For help finding datasets, please contact the Engineering Librarian.
Links from Articles
Data and datasets are sometimes, but not always, linked to from research articles, like journal articles and conference proceedings. Sometimes, these are linked to from the publisher's website but may not be included in the PDF of the article. Be sure to check both for links to datasets.
Data Journals
Some peer-reviewed journals focus purely on research data while others have a specific focus on including research data. A static (no longer updated) list of data journals is below. To find other journals focused on research data, ask the Engineering Librarian.
Engineering Software
Data and datasets can also be found in Engineering software. Lehigh provides access to many software applications for Engineering via LUapps, a virtual software platform. A link to LUapps is listed below.
Below are links to search platforms for finding datasets or data repositories covering multiple Engineering disciplines.
U.S. government’s open data portal, aggregating hundreds of thousands of datasets from federal agencies.
Repository for sharing, storing, and discovering research outputs, including datasets, figures, images, videos, posters, and papers, with persistent identifiers (DOIs) for citation. Search or browse by category. May be fees for storing research datasets.
Global registry of research data repositories, providing searchable information on repository scope, subject coverage, access policies, and licensing to help researchers find, deposit, and reuse datasets.
Source of information on ferrous and non-ferrous metals and materials technology. Includes 30 ASM Handbook volumes, supplements with searchable tabular data.
In interdisciplinary Engineering research, it is sometimes helpful to consider demographic, policy, or other datasets. The Library Guide linked below introduces and lists many data and statistical sources and data tools in the Social Sciences.
If you are a researcher and need guidance on Research Data Management or Data Management Plan (DMP) development for grants, please see the below Library Guide, which includes contact information for support from Library & Technology Services.