The UK is home to the world’s largest and longest-running longitudinal studies. On 8-9 June 2017, CLOSER will be hosting a series of events at the University of Bristol for researchers interested in making use of these valuable datasets, including the latest resources for research.
Introduction to CLOSER Discovery: A resource for researchers using longitudinal data
CLOSER Discovery is an innovative new search engine that enables researchers to explore the content of eight leading UK longitudinal studies. It is the most detailed and sophisticated search tool of its kind. These sessions will provide researchers in different disciplines with tailored demonstrations of how to use this innovative new resource for research. The session will also provide a summary of genetic, harmonised and linked data available from the CLOSER longitudinal studies.
Session for biomedical researchers (hosted by the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit)
Date: Thursday 8 June 2017, 14:00-15:00
Location: Room OS6, Oakfield House, 6-10 Oakfield Grove, Bristol, BS8 2BN
Click here for more information and to book
Session for social science researchers (hosted by the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law)
Date: Friday 9 June 2017, 12:30-13:30
Location: Room 2E2, Priory Road Social Sciences Complex, 12 Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TU
Click here for more information and to book
The rise of the obesity epidemic: How has the age-related process of overweight or obesity development changed over time?
Speaker: Prof Rebecca Hardy, MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at UCL
Date: Thursday 8 June 2017, 12:30-13:30
Location: Room LG.08, Canynge Hall, 39 Whately Road, Clifton, BS8 2PS
Click here for more information. No booking required.
It is estimated that the obesity ‘epidemic’ will cost the UK’s National Health Service £22.9 billion per year by 2050. Utilizing longitudinal data in the United Kingdom birth cohort studies, Prof Rebecca Hardy and colleagues investigated shifts over the past nearly 70 years in the distribution of body mass index (BMI) and development of overweight or obesity across childhood and adulthood. Their results demonstrate how younger generations are likely to accumulate greater exposure to overweight or obesity throughout their lives and, thus, increased risk for chronic health conditions such as coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In the absence of effective intervention, overweight and obesity will have severe public health consequences in decades to come.
Workshop: Introduction to the UK’s longitudinal resources
Date: Friday 9 June 2017, 14:00-16:00
Location: Room 2E2, Priory Road Social Sciences Complex, 12 Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TU
Click here for more information and to book
Following the lives of generations of Britons, the UK’s longitudinal studies are rich resources that have been used for decades to answer some of the most pressing questions facing our society. This workshop will introduce delegates to a range of longitudinal resources and highlight opportunities for life course and intergenerational research. Participants will learn what the datasets cover, how they’ve been used, and what support resources are available – ideal for those considering using longitudinal data for the first time.
Contact
If you have any questions about the above events, please contact Jennie Blows at j.blows@ucl.ac.uk.
