IJPDS is delighted to present this special issue of population data centre profiles. A population data centre is defined in this context as an information environment providing access to linked datasets at person-level from multiple routine data sources, with explicit approaches to how this linkage is done, and how data are managed and safeguarded for the purposes of service-delivery, research or both.

With articles from population data centres across the world, this special issue represents a unique resource, bringing together into one place a wealth of information. Modes of operation vary between centres, but in general, the information includes: rationales for the establishment of the centres; population settings; architecture and IT, relevant legislation and governance; data linkage models; data access models; a description of the datasets that can be made available; and some noteworthy outputs.

We hope readers will enjoy this special issue and see it as a valuable addition to the literature base. The special issue will remain open to new submissions so that further articles can be added in the future to continue to build this resource.