Millennium Cohort Study Wave 8
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
Department Name: Social Science
Abstract
The Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) is a large, nationally representative birth cohort study following the lives of over 19,000 cohort members since their infancy. The study has now run for seven sweeps, providing an incredibly rich picture of lives of this generation. The cohort is nearing the end of the critical developmental period spanning late childhood to early adulthood, marking a vital point in the life course and a key turning point in the study.
This proposal makes the case for an eighth sweep of face-to-face data collection at age 22, and for ongoing support for data enhancements, including through linkages of administrative, geographical and other novel data, to maximise its value and impact. In so doing, it will add to the wealth of data already collected through seven major face-to-face sweeps of data collection (at ages 9 months, 3, 5, 7, 11, 14 and 17 years) and three online COVID-19 surveys (at ages 19, 20).
The eighth sweep will be instrumental in studying transitions to adulthood, including in employment, education, partnerships, fertility and residence. It will provide a unique resource for understanding the evolution of inequalities in a range of domains, including in mental health and obesity, which have been major issues facing this generation since childhood. With widespread concern about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on this generation, striking at a time when the cohort are navigating critical transitions in education and the labour market, the new data collection is ideally primed to capture its influences on young people.
As the first major adult sweep of the study, it will be critical to establish the constructs and associated measures to include at age 22, since in the interests of longitudinal continuity these will then determine the domains and measures that will be included throughout adulthood. The measures chosen will have the dual objective of combining continuity with innovation, both to facilitate studies of within- and cross-generational change, alongside drawing on the most up to date science and leveraging newly emerging technologies where appropriate. To determine the scientific content of the study, we will take an approach that combines a strong resource-driven model with clear research questions. The major areas we plan to cover include but are not limited to education, learning and investment in skills; employment transitions, economic circumstances, the nature of work; mental health and wellbeing; physical health and health behaviours; psychosocial skills and cognitive development; the role of the family; identity and attitudes; digital connectedness; partnership formation and fertility.
We will deposit the data at the UK Data Service within one year of the completion of fieldwork, accompanied by extensive documentation for users to ensure it is widely accessible. We will conduct research on the data to showcase early findings from the study, focusing on highly policy-relevant areas with major gaps in evidence, and will engage with a range of stakeholders including policymakers, the media and third sector in order to maximise impact from the study.
This proposal makes the case for an eighth sweep of face-to-face data collection at age 22, and for ongoing support for data enhancements, including through linkages of administrative, geographical and other novel data, to maximise its value and impact. In so doing, it will add to the wealth of data already collected through seven major face-to-face sweeps of data collection (at ages 9 months, 3, 5, 7, 11, 14 and 17 years) and three online COVID-19 surveys (at ages 19, 20).
The eighth sweep will be instrumental in studying transitions to adulthood, including in employment, education, partnerships, fertility and residence. It will provide a unique resource for understanding the evolution of inequalities in a range of domains, including in mental health and obesity, which have been major issues facing this generation since childhood. With widespread concern about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on this generation, striking at a time when the cohort are navigating critical transitions in education and the labour market, the new data collection is ideally primed to capture its influences on young people.
As the first major adult sweep of the study, it will be critical to establish the constructs and associated measures to include at age 22, since in the interests of longitudinal continuity these will then determine the domains and measures that will be included throughout adulthood. The measures chosen will have the dual objective of combining continuity with innovation, both to facilitate studies of within- and cross-generational change, alongside drawing on the most up to date science and leveraging newly emerging technologies where appropriate. To determine the scientific content of the study, we will take an approach that combines a strong resource-driven model with clear research questions. The major areas we plan to cover include but are not limited to education, learning and investment in skills; employment transitions, economic circumstances, the nature of work; mental health and wellbeing; physical health and health behaviours; psychosocial skills and cognitive development; the role of the family; identity and attitudes; digital connectedness; partnership formation and fertility.
We will deposit the data at the UK Data Service within one year of the completion of fieldwork, accompanied by extensive documentation for users to ensure it is widely accessible. We will conduct research on the data to showcase early findings from the study, focusing on highly policy-relevant areas with major gaps in evidence, and will engage with a range of stakeholders including policymakers, the media and third sector in order to maximise impact from the study.
Organisations
- UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON (Lead Research Organisation)
- Cohort & Longitudinal Studies Enhancement Resources (Collaboration)
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (Collaboration)
- Australian Bureau of Statistics (Collaboration)
- UK Data Service (Collaboration)
- University College London (Collaboration)
- The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER (Collaboration)
- The British Library (Collaboration)
- University of Rhode Island (Collaboration)
- Bradford Institute for Health Research (BIHR) (Collaboration)
- Home Office (Collaboration)
- University of Zurich (Collaboration)
- University of Bonn (Collaboration)
- University of Southampton (Collaboration)
Publications
Bann D
(2021)
Changes in the behavioural determinants of health during the COVID-19 pandemic: gender, socioeconomic and ethnic inequalities in five British cohort studies
in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
Booth C
(2023)
Parent-adolescent informant discrepancy on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in the UK Millennium Cohort Study.
in Child and adolescent psychiatry and mental health
Booth C
(2021)
PARENTAL PERCEPTIONS OF LEARNING LOSS DURING COVID-19 SCHOOL CLOSURES IN 2020
in British Journal of Educational Studies
Booth C
(2024)
The onset of mental health disparities in sexual minority and majority youth: evidence from the UK Millennium Cohort Study.
in Development and psychopathology
Booth, C.
(2024)
The importance of maths: Evidence from the CLS cohort studies
Fitzsimons E
(2024)
The OHC penalty in the UK: maternal experience and child development.
in Longitudinal and life course studies : international journal
Fitzsimons E
(2022)
Breastfeeding and Child Development
in American Economic Journal: Applied Economics
| Title | Original artwork celebrating the Millennium Cohort Study's 21st annniversary |
| Description | To mark the 21st anniversary of the Millennium Cohort Study, we commissioned three artists to each produce an artwork to represent and celebrate the study. The three artists we selected for this project, Cat Sims, James Hutch, and Pevê Azevedo, were chosen for their different styles. We worked with the artists closely to determine which characteristics of the study they would focus on in their pieces. We printed the three pieces as a set of three postcards, which we sent to each study member in March 2023, to thank them for their contribution so far. On the back of each postcard we included a thank you message from one of our researchers, explaining how they have used the study in their work, as well as some words from the artist about their piece. In addition to the postcards, we produced 21 fine art quality prints of each piece in A4 size to give to study members through a ballot; 218 study members entered the ballot to receive one of these and the recipients were selected at random. |
| Type Of Art | Artwork |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | We received a number of thank you messages from study members who had received one of the A4 fine art prints through the ballot. |
| URL | https://childnc.net/about/21-years/ |
| Description | The UK Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) Age 23 Survey is a large-scale longitudinal study tracking individuals born in 2000-2002. Historically conducted through face-to-face (F2F) interviews, the study sought to determine whether a sequential mixed-mode approach-starting with web-based surveys and following up with F2F interviews for non-respondents-could improve participation rates while maintaining data quality. A randomised experiment was conducted with 3,000 participants (1,500 in each group), of a total sample of 13,713. Within these 3000, we randomly allocated half to a group who were first invited to take part via web with non-respondents followed up face-to-face ('sequential mixed-mode'), with the remaining half allocated to face-to-face only. Allocation to the experiment and to each experimental arm was stratified by MCS participation history, region and sex. The mixed-mode approach significantly outperformed the F2F-only method, achieving a response rate of 66.8% compared to 53.5%. The mixed-mode arm had lower refusal (22.2% vs. 32.4%) and non-contact rates (3.3% vs. 5.5%), demonstrating its effectiveness in reaching participants. The strong performance of the mixed-mode approach in terms of response rates and cost-effectiveness led to its adoption for the full Age 23 Survey. While some mode effects were observed, they were relatively minor and will be addressed in future guidance for analysts. The shift to a mixed-mode strategy represents a cost-effective method to enhance engagement in longitudinal studies. This robust experimental evidence will be invaluable for similar studies facing comparable trade-offs in survey design, providing empirical insights into the advantages and challenges of mixed-mode data collection strategies. We anticipate substantial insights and notable findings to arise from the rich data collected in the Age 23 Survey once it is deposited at UKDS, following its completion in February 2025. |
| Exploitation Route | The robust evidence from the initial experiment on the optimal data collection mode will be invaluable for similar studies facing comparable trade-offs in survey design, providing empirical insights into the advantages and challenges of mixed-mode data collection strategies. |
| Sectors | Communities and Social Services/Policy Education Healthcare Government Democracy and Justice |
| Description | Citation in Children's Commissioner Independent Family Review |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
| URL | https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/family/family-review/ |
| Description | Citation in DfE report: State of the nation 2021: children and young people's wellbeing |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Citation in other policy documents |
| URL | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/state-of-the-nation-2021-children-and-young-peoples-wellb... |
| Description | Citation in DfE report: State of the nation 2022: children and young people's wellbeing |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Citation in other policy documents |
| URL | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/state-of-the-nation-2022-children-and-young-peoples-wellb... |
| Guideline Title | COVID-19 rapid guideline: managing the long-term effects of COVID-19 |
| Description | Citation in NICE guideline on long Covid |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Citation in clinical guidelines |
| Impact | The NICE guideline provides recommendations to GPs on identification; planning care; multidisciplinary rehabilitation; follow up, monitoring and discharge; and service organisation. We also updated the list of common symptoms, emphasising that these may be different for children. The guideline cites research from the National Core Studies Longitudinal Health and Wellbeing programme using 10 longitudinal studies (including MCS, Next Steps, BCS70 and NCDS) which found long COVID is associated with a range of sociodemographic and pre-existing health factors. |
| URL | https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng188 |
| Description | Citation in Nesta policy briefing on NHS investment on prevention |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Citation in other policy documents |
| URL | https://media.nesta.org.uk/documents/How_to_save_the_NHS__primary_prevention.pdf |
| Description | Citation in POSTNote: Children's wellbeing in schools |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Citation in other policy documents |
| URL | https://post.parliament.uk/research-briefings/post-pn-0739/ |
| Description | Citation in POSTNote: Children's wellbeing in schools |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Citation in other policy documents |
| Description | Citation in children and young people's mental health report from Health and Social Care Committee |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Citation in other policy documents |
| URL | https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5802/cmselect/cmhealth/17/report.html#footnote-223-backlink |
| Description | DHSC advice |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Participation in a guidance/advisory committee |
| Impact | Evidence from the Millennium Cohort Study on the cognitive benefits of breastfeeding helped make the case for a £50 million programme of breastfeeding support led by the Department for Health and Social Care. |
| Description | Impact Case Study - Improving infant feeding support |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Policy Influence Type | Contribution to new or improved professional practice |
| Impact | At the 2021 Spending Review, the Government announced £300m for a joint DHSC/DfE Family Hubs and Start for Life programme. The DHSC programme funding includes £50m to improve infant feeding services, leading to increased breastfeeding rates and improved health outcomes for mothers and babies. Across 75 LAs with high levels of deprivation. CLS research on the link between breastfeeding and cognitive development for a sample of low-educated mothers enabled DHSC to develop the evidence base by strengthening their assessment of the economic benefits of breastfeeding. |
| Description | Advancing adolescent mental health and wellbeing research |
| Amount | £755,438 (GBP) |
| Organisation | United Kingdom Research and Innovation |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2023 |
| End | 05/2026 |
| Description | Consortium of government departments |
| Amount | £16,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 44635 |
| Organisation | Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2021 |
| End | 07/2025 |
| Description | Consortium of government departments |
| Amount | £350,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 44638 |
| Organisation | Department for Work and Pensions |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2021 |
| End | 07/2025 |
| Description | Consortium of government departments |
| Amount | £97,833 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 44693 |
| Organisation | Government of the UK |
| Department | Department of Health and Social Care |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2021 |
| End | 07/2025 |
| Description | Consortium of government departments |
| Amount | £50,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 6258473_2021-22 |
| Organisation | Home Office |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2021 |
| End | 07/2025 |
| Description | Consortium of government departments |
| Amount | £190,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 44628 |
| Organisation | Government of Wales |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2021 |
| End | 07/2025 |
| Description | Consortium of government departments |
| Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 44631 |
| Organisation | Department of Education |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2021 |
| End | 07/2025 |
| Description | Consortium of government departments |
| Amount | £16,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | 44594 |
| Organisation | Government of the UK |
| Department | Department of Education Northern Ireland |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2021 |
| End | 07/2025 |
| Description | Developing the economic case for early intervention by quantifying the benefits of improving outcomes of babies, children and young people |
| Amount | £699,535 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | NIHR207675 |
| Organisation | National Institute for Health and Care Research |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2025 |
| End | 12/2027 |
| Description | ESRC Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) award to UCL 2023-28 (Grant Reference ES/X004627/1) |
| Amount | £17,884 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | ES/X004627/1 |
| Organisation | Economic and Social Research Council |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2023 |
| End | 02/2024 |
| Description | Education and Outcomes Panel Studies (EOPS) - C |
| Amount | £5,373,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Department for Education |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2024 |
| End | 03/2030 |
| Description | Examining credibility of current evidence for welfare as a public health measure: pathways, causation and cost-benefit of further research |
| Amount | £614,660 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | NIHR163264 |
| Organisation | National Institute for Health and Care Research |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2025 |
| End | 02/2027 |
| Title | MCS Age 23 Survey: Questionnaires |
| Description | The Age 23 Survey updates information on the current circumstances of cohort members across key domains, including housing, cohabiting relationships, fertility and births, children and wider family, income and wealth, economic activity, life-long learning, physical and mental health, health behaviours and social participation. There is also a survey for cohabiting partners of study members. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The Age 23 Survey provides high-quality data for scientific investigations across a full range of domains of individuals' lives, thus, the questionnaires are a valuable resource for the research and policy-making communities within the UK and elsewhere. |
| URL | https://cls.ucl.ac.uk/cls-studies/millennium-cohort-study/mcs-age-23-sweep/ |
| Title | Updated Excel data dictionaries for NCDS, BCS70, Next Steps and MCS |
| Description | Updated version of the Excel data dictionaries for NCDS, BCS70, Next Steps and MCS. These have been uploaded to the CLS webpage " Exploring Our Data" |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | None as yet |
| URL | https://cls.ucl.ac.uk/data-access-training/exploring-our-data/ |
| Title | MCS 4-6: Linked Points of Interest (NEW) |
| Description | Millennium Cohort Study: Linkage with the Point of Interest Data. MCS4, MCS5 and MCS6 data were linked to the Points of Interest (PoI) data to characterise the physical environment around cohort member residences at the moment of the interview. GIS methods were used together with the Ordnance Survey Integrated Transport Network (ITN) data to create buffers around cohort member's residences. Counts of points of interest, e.g., supermarkets, convenience stores, and others, were created within 400, 800 and 1,600 metres buffers. The categories defined by the PoI data were used to aggregate information, and new categories were derived for specific food outlets. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2021 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | None as yet. |
| URL | https://beta.ukdataservice.ac.uk/datacatalogue/studies/study?id=8824 |
| Title | MCS at SAIL Databank: all sweeps (2n Edition) |
| Description | New version of the survey data from all MCS survey sweeps, now including MCS6 and MCS7 have been released to SAIL DataBank for reseach data sharing. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | None as yet |
| URL | https://saildatabank.com/data/explore-the-data/ |
| Title | MCS genomics - imputed genetics data: CLS GAC (NEW) |
| Description | MCS TOPMed imputed data: The raw data were quality controlled (QCd) using stringent thresholds and a standardised CLS pipeline. These data were then imputed using the TOPMed imputation server which incorporates the TOPMed imputation panel; the most up to date reference panel, incorporating the largest number of whole genomes (N=133,597) compared to other panels, enhancing imputation capabilities and enabling improved accuracy in genetic analyses, particularly for underrepresented populations which is beneficial for the MCS cohort. After imputation and QC, the dataset contains 20,257 individuals and 8,720,874 genetic variants. In this dataset there are 7,841 cohort members, 7,781 mothers, 4,635 Fathers and 3,119 trios. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | None as yet |
| URL | https://cls-genetics.github.io/docs/MCS.html |
| Title | MCS genomics - polygenic risk scores: CLS DAC (NEW) |
| Description | MCS polygenic risk scores available via direct request to the CLS Data Access Committee (CLS DAC). Topics: Social outcomes; Mental health and cognition; Physical health / anthropometrics. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | None as yet |
| URL | https://cls-genetics.github.io/docs/PRS.html |
| Title | MCS genomics - whole exome data: CLS DAC (NEW) |
| Description | MCS whole exome sequencing (WES) data: The WES data were generated and QCd by Sanger. 14,791 individuals from MCS, including 7,807 children and 6,975 of their parents, were exome-sequenced using TWIST capture baits (Twist Custom Panel: Core exome plus Broad panel; Twist Design ID: NGSTECustom_0001418) and Illumina NovaSeq S4 100PE, to an average depth of ~68X. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | None as yet |
| URL | https://cls-genetics.github.io/docs/MCS.html |
| Title | MCS: Age 3, Sweep 2, 2004 (12th Edition) |
| Description | For the twelfth edition (February 2024), some edits and improvements have been applied to four data files (mcs2_cm_cognitive_assessment, mcs2_hhgrid, mcs2_parent_cm_interview, mcs2_parent_interview). Data file mcs2_family_level file has been removed from this edition and will be redeposited at a later date. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | None as yet. |
| URL | https://beta.ukdataservice.ac.uk/datacatalogue/doi?id=5350 |
| Title | MCS: Linked Education Administrative Datasets (KS1-KS3), Wales: Secure Access (NEW) |
| Description | These datasets include education administrative records for Wales up to age 16 to survey data for cohort members in the MCS. The main aim of this data linkage exercise is to enhance the research potential of the study, by combining administrative education records with the rich information collected in the surveys. Datasets include anonymised Local Education Authorities (LEA) to allow comparison of results across LEA. The data were obtained only for children whose parents/carers gave consent to data linkage, and who were successfully matched. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2023 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | None as yet |
| URL | https://beta.ukdataservice.ac.uk/datacatalogue/studies/study?id=9085 |
| Title | MCS: Linked Education Datasets (National Pupil Database, KS1-KS5): Secure Access (3rd Edition) |
| Description | Millennium Cohort Study: Linked Education Administrative Datasets (National Pupil Database), England: Secure Access. For the third edition (November 2024), exam and pupil KS5 (A levels) data have been added to the study. Main topics: school type; educational attainment scores; test and examination results; school absences; ethnic group; eligibility for free school meals; language group; special education needs; deprivation indices. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | None as yet |
| URL | https://beta.ukdataservice.ac.uk/datacatalogue/studies/study?id=8481 |
| Title | MCS: Linked Health Datasets, Wales: Secure Access (NEW) |
| Description | Millennium Cohort Study: Linked Health Administrative Datasets (SAIL), Wales: Secure Access. The Welsh health data that have been linked to the MCS survey data (UK Data Archive GN 33359) include data files from the SAIL Databank database for those cohort members and their parents/other adult household members with consent to health data linkage obtained at age 7 (and not subsequently withdrawn). The SAIL Databank contains information about all hospital admissions in Wales. At the fourth survey, when the cohort were around 7 years old, adults with parental responsibility were asked to give consent to link information collected within MCS to their child's routine health records up until their 14th birthday. Parents and other adult household respondents were also asked to consent to their own health records being linked. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | None as yet |
| URL | https://beta.ukdataservice.ac.uk/datacatalogue/studies/study?id=9310 |
| Title | Street level crime data linked to the Millennium Cohort Study |
| Description | Linking publicly available crime data from data.police.uk to sweeps 4 - 6 of the Millennium Cohort Study. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Paper in process of publication: Adolescents living in trajectories of Crime: An analysis of the UK Millennium Cohort Study linked to highly granular crime incidents |
| Description | CLOSER Executive Team |
| Organisation | Bradford Institute for Health Research (BIHR) |
| Department | Born in Bradford |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | The purpose of the Executive Team is to: • To oversee CLOSER's work, providing assurance to the funders that CLOSER delivers on its objectives. • To review and provide guidance on proposed changes in CLOSER's activities. • To provide representation from key stakeholder groups and ensure their input to CLOSER's strategy and activities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | • The types of activities Executive Team members will be responsible for, on behalf of CLOSER, are: o Monitoring CLOSER's progress in delivering on its objectives. o Reviewing and approving changes to planned activities. o Supporting the CLOSER Director in coordinating the work of CLOSER. o Providing insights into the funder landscape and potential funding opportunities. o Providing insights into areas for collaboration. o Fostering and maintaining effective relationships with CLOSER partners, key stakeholders, and user groups. o Managing risk across the project. o Acting as an ambassador, promoting CLOSER's work and networking on CLOSER's behalf. |
| Impact | • The Executive Team meet four times a year (three virtual meetings and one in-person meeting). |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | CLOSER Executive Team |
| Organisation | The British Library |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | The purpose of the Executive Team is to: • To oversee CLOSER's work, providing assurance to the funders that CLOSER delivers on its objectives. • To review and provide guidance on proposed changes in CLOSER's activities. • To provide representation from key stakeholder groups and ensure their input to CLOSER's strategy and activities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | • The types of activities Executive Team members will be responsible for, on behalf of CLOSER, are: o Monitoring CLOSER's progress in delivering on its objectives. o Reviewing and approving changes to planned activities. o Supporting the CLOSER Director in coordinating the work of CLOSER. o Providing insights into the funder landscape and potential funding opportunities. o Providing insights into areas for collaboration. o Fostering and maintaining effective relationships with CLOSER partners, key stakeholders, and user groups. o Managing risk across the project. o Acting as an ambassador, promoting CLOSER's work and networking on CLOSER's behalf. |
| Impact | • The Executive Team meet four times a year (three virtual meetings and one in-person meeting). |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | CLOSER Executive Team |
| Organisation | UK Data Service |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The purpose of the Executive Team is to: • To oversee CLOSER's work, providing assurance to the funders that CLOSER delivers on its objectives. • To review and provide guidance on proposed changes in CLOSER's activities. • To provide representation from key stakeholder groups and ensure their input to CLOSER's strategy and activities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | • The types of activities Executive Team members will be responsible for, on behalf of CLOSER, are: o Monitoring CLOSER's progress in delivering on its objectives. o Reviewing and approving changes to planned activities. o Supporting the CLOSER Director in coordinating the work of CLOSER. o Providing insights into the funder landscape and potential funding opportunities. o Providing insights into areas for collaboration. o Fostering and maintaining effective relationships with CLOSER partners, key stakeholders, and user groups. o Managing risk across the project. o Acting as an ambassador, promoting CLOSER's work and networking on CLOSER's behalf. |
| Impact | • The Executive Team meet four times a year (three virtual meetings and one in-person meeting). |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | CLOSER Executive Team |
| Organisation | University College London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The purpose of the Executive Team is to: • To oversee CLOSER's work, providing assurance to the funders that CLOSER delivers on its objectives. • To review and provide guidance on proposed changes in CLOSER's activities. • To provide representation from key stakeholder groups and ensure their input to CLOSER's strategy and activities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | • The types of activities Executive Team members will be responsible for, on behalf of CLOSER, are: o Monitoring CLOSER's progress in delivering on its objectives. o Reviewing and approving changes to planned activities. o Supporting the CLOSER Director in coordinating the work of CLOSER. o Providing insights into the funder landscape and potential funding opportunities. o Providing insights into areas for collaboration. o Fostering and maintaining effective relationships with CLOSER partners, key stakeholders, and user groups. o Managing risk across the project. o Acting as an ambassador, promoting CLOSER's work and networking on CLOSER's behalf. |
| Impact | • The Executive Team meet four times a year (three virtual meetings and one in-person meeting). |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | CLOSER Executive Team |
| Organisation | University of Manchester |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | The purpose of the Executive Team is to: • To oversee CLOSER's work, providing assurance to the funders that CLOSER delivers on its objectives. • To review and provide guidance on proposed changes in CLOSER's activities. • To provide representation from key stakeholder groups and ensure their input to CLOSER's strategy and activities. |
| Collaborator Contribution | • The types of activities Executive Team members will be responsible for, on behalf of CLOSER, are: o Monitoring CLOSER's progress in delivering on its objectives. o Reviewing and approving changes to planned activities. o Supporting the CLOSER Director in coordinating the work of CLOSER. o Providing insights into the funder landscape and potential funding opportunities. o Providing insights into areas for collaboration. o Fostering and maintaining effective relationships with CLOSER partners, key stakeholders, and user groups. o Managing risk across the project. o Acting as an ambassador, promoting CLOSER's work and networking on CLOSER's behalf. |
| Impact | • The Executive Team meet four times a year (three virtual meetings and one in-person meeting). |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | CLOSER Interim Director |
| Organisation | Cohort & Longitudinal Studies Enhancement Resources |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| PI Contribution | I took on the role of CLOSER Interim Director for an 18 month period from early 2022 whilst CLOSER was recruiting for a permanent Director. I supported the delivery of the grant during this period and line managed several members of the CLOSER team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | CLOSER team supported me in this role and I worked with the senior team to ensure the deliverables were achieved. |
| Impact | Delivery of CLOSER grant during the 2022-23 period. I also played a key role in the recruitment of new CLOSER Director, through three interview rounds. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | CLOSER Interim Director |
| Organisation | Cohort & Longitudinal Studies Enhancement Resources |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| PI Contribution | I took on the role of CLOSER Interim Director for an 18 month period from early 2022 whilst CLOSER was recruiting for a permanent Director. I supported the delivery of the grant during this period and line managed several members of the CLOSER team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | CLOSER team supported me in this role and I worked with the senior team to ensure the deliverables were achieved. |
| Impact | Delivery of CLOSER grant during the 2022-23 period. I also played a key role in the recruitment of new CLOSER Director, through three interview rounds. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Collaboration with Barcelona Institute for Global Health |
| Organisation | Barcelona Institute for Global Health |
| Country | Spain |
| Sector | Multiple |
| PI Contribution | This collaboration is realised as part of small grant provided by the EXPANSE project (funded by a Horizon 2020 grant (https://expanseproject.eu/)). It includes a research visit at IS Global, research development (linking EXPANSE data to the Millennium Cohort Study) and scientific collaboration. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partners provide data on physical environment (e.g. air pollution, green space), which will be linked to the Millennium Cohort Study. |
| Impact | It is a multidisciplinary collaboration, as it only started a few months ago, there are no outcomes yet. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Collaborative research with Growing up in Australia |
| Organisation | Australian Bureau of Statistics |
| Country | Australia |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Dr Praveetha Patalay (CLS) spent two weeks at the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) working on a joint research project on mental health in young people, comparing the UK and Australian experiences |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provided research time to work with Dr Praveetha Patalay during her trip to AIFS, did Australian empirical analysis and assisted with write up of paper |
| Impact | Research paper on mental health and wellbeing among young people in Australia and the UK |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Collaborative research with Home Office on young people's engagement with neighbourhood crime and shoplifting |
| Organisation | Home Office |
| Department | Home Office Crime Strategy Unit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | In collaboration with Home Office colleagues we produced a short policy briefing paper summarising findings from the Millennium Cohort Study on the prevalence and predictors of young people's engagement in certain types of criminal behaviour (neighbourhood crime and shoplifting) between the ages of 14-17. Since then we have prepared and presented a presentation on our findings to a wider group of Home Office colleagues, introduced our policy engagement strategy at CLS, and had a further meeting to discuss wider criminal and risk taking behaviour measures in the MCS as well as the Next Steps cohort. We continue to liaise closely with Home Office colleagues to identify future opportunities to support them in their policy work on this area. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Home Office colleagues provided active policy steers on different aspects of the analyses that would be of most policy relevance to them and their wider Departmental objectives. They have shared our findings widely with other policy contacts and established separate conversations to support ongoing engagement. |
| Impact | Policy briefing paper on the predictors and prevalence of neighbourhood crime; Various meetings with Home Office colleagues to support the dissemination of these findings and future policy interests. |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | College for Interdisciplinary Educational Research Cohort IV: Millennium Cohort Study Micro Group |
| Organisation | University of Bonn |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | College for Interdisciplinary Educational Research is an international interdisciplinary network of early career researchers into education. As part of the three years that I am part of their fourth cohort, we agree to form a 'micro group' of scholars to produce research on an interdisciplinary topic. I formed and lead a group to specifically look at the Millennium Cohort Study and we are currently forming our research question and approach. |
| Collaborator Contribution | They have brought ideas and their own knowledge from their relevant disciplines (economics and sociology) and an international perspective on how the Millennium Cohort Study can be applied to their own countries of study. |
| Impact | Outputs are currently in preparation, but are multi-disciplinary (education, psychology, sociology, economics) |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | College for Interdisciplinary Educational Research Cohort IV: Millennium Cohort Study Micro Group |
| Organisation | University of Zurich |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | College for Interdisciplinary Educational Research is an international interdisciplinary network of early career researchers into education. As part of the three years that I am part of their fourth cohort, we agree to form a 'micro group' of scholars to produce research on an interdisciplinary topic. I formed and lead a group to specifically look at the Millennium Cohort Study and we are currently forming our research question and approach. |
| Collaborator Contribution | They have brought ideas and their own knowledge from their relevant disciplines (economics and sociology) and an international perspective on how the Millennium Cohort Study can be applied to their own countries of study. |
| Impact | Outputs are currently in preparation, but are multi-disciplinary (education, psychology, sociology, economics) |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Member CLOSER Executive Team |
| Organisation | Cohort & Longitudinal Studies Enhancement Resources |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| PI Contribution | Member of CLOSER Executive Team, advising on operational and strategic issues |
| Collaborator Contribution | CLOSER aims to maximise the use, value and impact of UK's longitudinal studies. |
| Impact | Contributions to CLOSER operational and strategic activity |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Member CLOSER Executive Team |
| Organisation | Cohort & Longitudinal Studies Enhancement Resources |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| PI Contribution | Member of CLOSER Executive Team, advising on operational and strategic issues |
| Collaborator Contribution | CLOSER aims to maximise the use, value and impact of UK's longitudinal studies. |
| Impact | Contributions to CLOSER operational and strategic activity |
| Start Year | 2020 |
| Description | Member of ADR UK Conference 2023 Scientific Organising Committee |
| Organisation | University of Southampton |
| Department | Administrative Data Research Centre for England |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | As a member of the Scientific Committee, I am involved in all decisions concerning the scope of the conference, including decisions around inclusion of specific themes and sessions. |
| Collaborator Contribution | ADR UK is responsible for organising and running the conference |
| Impact | As the conference will take place in Nov 2023, the result, which is a three-day conference, has yet to materialise. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Member of CLOSER Conference Scientific Organising Committee |
| Organisation | Cohort & Longitudinal Studies Enhancement Resources |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Learned Society |
| PI Contribution | As a member of the Scientific Committee, I was involved in all decisions concerning the scope of the conference, including decisions around inclusion of specific themes and sessions; I also shortlisted submissions. |
| Collaborator Contribution | CLOSER was responsible for organising and running the conference |
| Impact | 3 day online conference: Preparing for the future III - tackling key challenges facing longitudinal population studies in a post-COVID world |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | Millennium Cohort Study working group on cognitive development and academic achievement |
| Organisation | University of Rhode Island |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | With a colleague from another IOE department, we work with a scholar from the University of Rhode Island on using the Millennium Cohort Study for questions pertaining to how cognitive development can be tracked using the cohort. I am the lead author on these papers and I am also the only one with access to the linked Millennium Cohort Study data which the papers rely upon. I conduct analyses and project manage. |
| Collaborator Contribution | They advise on topics, provide statistical advise and feedback on manuscripts. |
| Impact | The manuscript "Relations between childhood spatial skills, visual spatial working memory and adolescent STEM achievement: Evidence from a UK longitudinal birth cohort" is currently under review at Learning and Instruction |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute |
| Organisation | The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Full exome sequencing of Millennium Cohort Study cohort members (approx N =9500). Sanger is carrying this out, at a cost of approx. £500,000. This important new resource will be made available to researchers under appropriate mechanism when complete. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Contributed approx. £500,000 Wellcome Funding to full exome sequencing of MCS cohort member genetic data. |
| Impact | The Sanger Institute, under Matthew Hurles, is conducting full exome sequencing on MCS genetic data. Hurles leads a team focused on deciphering the genetic causes of severe developmental disorders, and understanding how DNA mutates as it is passed from generation to generation. This is a highly multi-disciplinary collaboration across the social and biomedical sciences. |
| Start Year | 2021 |
| Description | 1-week of two-way knowledge exchange collaboration between researchers at the UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS) and national and international non-academic organisations, including Administrative Data Research UK (ADR UK), UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) and National Statistics Institute of Chile (INE). |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The activity consisted of a knowledge exchange collaboration held between 11-17 Nov 2023 between researchers at the UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS) and national and international non-academic organisations, including Administrative Data Research UK (ADR UK), UK Statistics Authority (UKSA), National Statistics Institute of Chile (INE) and a Consortium of Chilean Universities. Its aims were twofold. First, to understand the challenges public organisations face in the UK and Chile when translating academic research into improved policy decisions and efficient public services. Second, to maximise the global reach of the research conducted by the Centre for Longitudinal Studies on administrative data linked to UK longitudinal population studies and its influence internationally. Most of the highlights of the project concentrated around the week when a Chilean delegation visited the UK and participated in several activities. First, a workshop was held at Administrative Data Research UK (ADR UK) facilities with people from ADR UK and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) that lasted a whole day. Second, the participation over three days at the ADR UK Conference in Birmingham, including side meetings with relevant stakeholders for the project. Third, the workshop held at the Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS) including researchers from CLS, members of the Chilean delegation, researchers from the Centre for Education Policy and Equalising Opportunities (CEPEO), Department for Education (DfE), University College London (UCL), University of the West of England (UWE), among others. The project has been useful in shaping the discussion around the Integrated Data Infrastructure that is intended to be implemented in the Chilean case, allowing the United Kingdom experience to influence the direction in which the structure of the system is thought, rescuing the most valuable characteristics of it which seem applicable in the Chilean context. It also proved helpful for UK authorities from different institutions (ADR UK, ONS, DfE, CLS, etc.), as they were able to question some of the culturally rooted characteristics of the system that they usually do not have the opportunity to analyse retrospectively. The project also generated some specific and useful inputs for future steps into the agenda to develop an Integrated Data Infrastructure, including: • A working paper/policy brief synthesising key elements learned from the Chilean delegation visit and the activities held during those days, and further meetings sustained afterwards in the same context. • A budget proposal for the implementation of an Integrated Data Infrastructure in Chile following a similar structure to the one present in the British case. Finally, a new partnership was developed through the project. The new partner was the Integrated Data Infrastructure Consortium from Chile, which was formed by five research centres from four Chilean universities. Three members of the Consortium participated as members of the Chilean delegation that visited the UK for five days and participated in all the activities organised in the context of the project. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023,2024 |
| Description | Attendance at youth-led roundtable on knife crime |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | Invite to attend a roundtable event on youth crime in London led by a team of young researchers involved in the Peer Action Collective. Up to 100 participants from across the third sector, local police service, local authority, Parliament and academia were invited to attend to hear the work of the research team and provide input. MCS evidence on criminal and risk taking behaviours was put forward in table discussions and new relationships with policymakers in this space brokered. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Blog - Improving the nation's numeracy: what can we learn from the British cohorts? |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Dr Charlotte Booth wrote a comment piece for the IOE blog outlining cohort study findings on the importance of maths skills for education, work and life. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://blogs.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/2024/07/04/improving-the-nations-numeracy-what-can-we-learn-from-the-bri... |
| Description | Blog for UCL Stone Centre |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | A blog on 'Breastfeeding and child development', based on the published paper: Fitzsimons, E., and Vera-Hernández, M. 2022. 'Breastfeeding and Child Development.' American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, 14(3), pp. 329-66. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.stone-econ.org/research/breastfeeding-and-child-development |
| Description | Blog post - Changing the narrative on youth violence and knife crime: turning evidence from young people into policy change |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Blog post written after attending event on youth violence and to link up existing MCS research findings on weapons carrying, shoplifting and neighbourhood crime in young people. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://blogs.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/2024/07/19/changing-the-narrative-on-youth-violence-and-knife-crime-turn... |
| Description | Centre for Childhood Health engagement in 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | David Bann took part in engagement activities with the Danish Centre for Childhood Health. In 2024, an invited keynote presentation (incorporating cohort research findings); and then an invited international collaborator/expert in a 2-day workshop to help inform the Centre for Childhood Health's future project funding focusing on social inequalities in obesity. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://sundtlivogtrivsel.dk/en/event/talk-social-inequality-overweight-obesity-and-health |
| Description | Child of the New Century 21st anniversary mailing |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | To mark the first 21 years of Child of the New Century (known as the Millennium Cohort Study to researchers), in March 2023 we are sending a special mailing to study members. This comprises three postcards which have each been designed by a different artist, commissioned by us, and which each represent the study in some way. Each postcard features some words of explanation from the artist and a thank you message from one of the many researchers who have used the study in their work. The mailing also includes a thank you card which we are asking study members to pass on to their parents. The physical mailing is complemented by an email which will link through to the '21 stories' social campaign (see separate entry). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Child of the New Century 21st anniversary mailing |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | To mark the first 21 years of Child of the New Century (known as the Millennium Cohort Study to researchers), in March 2023 we are sending a special mailing to study members. This comprises three postcards which have each been designed by a different artist, commissioned by us, and which each represent the study in some way. Each postcard features some words of explanation from the artist and a thank you message from one of the many researchers who have used the study in their work. The mailing also includes a thank you card which we are asking study members to pass on to their parents. The physical mailing is complemented by an email which will link through to the '21 stories' social campaign (see separate entry). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Child of the New Century participant website and social media 2024-25 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | The Child of the New Century website is aimed at study participants to keep them up to date with the latest news, findings and impact of the study. From April 2024 to February 2025, Google analytics tracked over 3,000 users to the site and over 25,600 page views. Content about the Age 23 Survey was the most popular, which is as expected in a fieldwork year. As of February 2025, CNC has 425 followers on Instagram and 713 followers on Facebook. In response to recent trends on the platform, CLS opted to retire its participant X/Twitter accounts in line with UCL guidance. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| URL | https://childnc.net/ |
| Description | Dataset promotion - MCS linked health data (Hospital Episode Statistics) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | NHS administrative data (Hospital Episode Statistics) have been linked to the Millennium Cohort Study data and made available to researchers through the UK Data Service. The new data release means that these NHS administrative data have now been linked to all four CLS cohort studies. To promote the new dataset to researchers, we published a news item on our website and a Twitter thread (the first tweet in the thread made nearly 3000 impressions). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Department for Education Roundtable: Research on Supporting Children and Young People to Thrive |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | A roundtable event focusing on research and data which explores how school-aged children and young people can best be supported to thrive in their lives. The event is designed to bring together a select group of researchers and experts to build an evidence-based understanding; expert input to help DfE to test their current thinking, identify what evidence exists, and determine where further research is needed. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | DfE CSCAR Seminar 'Health determinants for children receiving statutory support' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | We presented research results to public servants at the Department for Education in the CSCAR Seminar 'Health determinants for children receiving statutory support'. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Discussion with US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | One hour discussion with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), as part of their work into 'Understanding Breastfeeding Promotion, Initiation and Support Across the United States'. The Committee aims to leverage available data and literature to conduct a consensus study on policies, programs, and investments to better understand the landscape of breastfeeding promotion, initiation, and support across the United States. The study will provide an evidence-based analysis of the macroeconomic, social, and health costs and benefits of the United States' current breastfeeding rates and goals. The study will build on what is known about inequalities in breastfeeding rates and reducing racial, geographic, and income-related breastfeeding disparities. The Committee will identify existing gaps in knowledge, areas for needed research, and will discuss challenges in data collection to address said gaps. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Event (In-person) CLS Launch Reception |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | In the evening of day one of the Children of the Noughties conference on 13 June, CLS held a reception to mark the new grant period. Conference participants were joined by VIP guests including members of ESRC, staff and members of the CLS strategic advisory board. CLS head Alissa Goodman spoke and attendees were encouraged to ask questions of different CLS representatives. There were over 100 participants. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://cls.ucl.ac.uk/events/children-of-the-noughties/ |
| Description | Event (In-person) Children of the Noughties Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | In June 2023 we celebrated 21 years of the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) and other longitudinal studies with a two day scientific conference in London. The programme featured an exciting line up of around 75 inter-disciplinary presentations and over 150 attendees. Presenters mainly discussed their research findings using MCS data, however we also heard from researchers who have looked at data from other longitudinal studies of the same era. To encourage participation from early career researchers, they were offered free attendance. We also had a small number of sixth form students attend as part of a widening participation programme that CLS was organising. There was a very special panel discussion with seven members of the cohort from across the UK. They talked openly about their participation in the study and the audience got to see study members in-person, a very rare and invaluable opportunity for researchers. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://cls.ucl.ac.uk/events/children-of-the-noughties/ |
| Description | Freakonomics Podcast |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Described on Freakonomics website as 'In this special episode of Freakonomics, M.D., host Bapu Jena looks at a clever new study that could help answer one of parenting's most contentious questions.' I discussed my recently published research using the Millennium Cohort Study which estimates the causal impact of breastfeeding on children's development. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://freakonomics.com/podcast/how-important-is-breastfeeding-really/ |
| Description | Generational Health Drift event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | One day event hosted by CLS showcasing new findings on the "generational health drift" and discussing policy implications for changing health trends. The event was attended by a mixed audience of academics, policymakers, practitioners and third sector organisations. Multiple new relationships were established as a result, alongside requests for further information and future joint work with CLS on the topics of obesity, mental health changes, etc. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://cls.ucl.ac.uk/events/generational-health-drift/ |
| Description | Interview in the Psychologist Magazine |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | As the official publication of The British Psychological Society, The Psychologist is as a forum for communication, discussion and debate on a range of psychological topics. The Psychologist is read by more than 50,000 Society members in print. I featured in the October 2023 issue discussing the Child of the New Century (Millennium Cohort Study). On foot of this, I have been invited to deliver the keynote address to the National Association of Principal Educational Psychologists UK (NAPEP) in May 2024. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist-issue/2023/october/psychologist-october-2023 |
| Description | Keynote at Growing up in Ireland Consultation Event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Keynote presentation at a consultation event for Growing Up in Ireland in Dublin. Shared insights from MCS experiences with adolescents, including highlights from the findings, lessons from the methods or modes used (response rates, engagement, questionnaire issues etc), and the subsequent impact of the data. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | Keynote speaker at National Association of Principal Educational Psychologists (NAPEP) Annual Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Keynote presentation 'Evidence on the Lives of Children of the New Century' to open conference |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.napep.info/conference |
| Description | MCS7 Consultative Conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Emla Fitzsimons organised this conference in November 2015 for academics and policymakers to contribute to scientific content at MCS7 (age 17), as a part of the study's scientific development. The conference was attended by academics and policymakers and resulted in very positive feedback with further follow up emails after the event regarding content and evidencing their engagement with it. The conference also received advice across a range of disciplines on content of MCS7 and this will impact on content of MCS7 whilst helping to ensure the multi-disciplinarity nature of the study. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
| Description | MCS8 co-funder bi-annual meetings |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Bi-annual meetings with the MCS8 co-funders group to update on progress and discuss departmental priorities: Dept of Health and Social Care, Dept for Education, Home Office, Welsh Government, Dept of Economy Northern Ireland, Dev top Education Northern Ireland. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022,2023,2024,2025 |
| Description | Maternity Staffing Roundtable |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Discussion between academics and midwifery leads about challenges facing maternity wards in UK. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Meeting with Home Office colleagues on neighbourhood crime and shoplifting research analysis |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | A conversation with Home Office colleagues following bespoke analysis produced for them on neighbourhood crime and shoplifting in young people. Agreed CLS would come to present to a wider group of policy contacts on the analysis and on the utility of the cohorts in broader policy development. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Member of ALSPAC Scientific Advisory Board |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Member of the ALSPAC Scientific Advisory Committee; activities include regular meetings; support for and review of ALSPAC funding proposal. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022,2023,2024 |
| Description | Millennium Cohort Study email newsletter updates |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Established bi-monthly email newsletters to all Millennium Cohort Study co-funder organisations (the Home Office, Department of Health and Social Care, Department for Education, Department for Business and Trade, and representatives of the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish governments and executives). Provides an update on recent developments in the MCS, including progress of the sweep, and points recipients to new research using the MCS. Three newsletters have now been issued and forwarded to well over 100 civil service contacts to raise the profile of CLS and the MCS. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024,2025 |
| Description | News item - Does access to greenspace matter for teens' sleep? |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Millennium Cohort Study research authored by academics based at UCL and the University of Glasgow was written up as a news item for the CLS website. This was promoted on social channels and through the biannual CLS evidence update. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| URL | https://cls.ucl.ac.uk/does-access-to-greenspace-matter-for-teens-sleep/ |
| Description | News item - Private schools lose GCSE results edge |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Millennium Cohort Study research authored by UCL academics was issued as a press release by the UCL media relations team. This was repurposed as a news item for the CLS website and promoted on CLS social channels. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://cls.ucl.ac.uk/private-schools-lose-gcse-results-edge/ |
| Description | Organisation of a data linkage symposium at the 2024 SLLS conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Organised a symposium on the SLLS conference on linked administrative data with presenters from CLS and other UCL departments. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Organisation of a methods symposium at the Society for Longitudinal Studies Conference 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Centre for Longitudinal Studies organised a symposium at the SLLS 2024 conference to showcase methodological innovations in the CLS cohort studies. Presentations covered use of video interviewing in NCDS and BCS70, the results of a mode experiment in MCS, experimental evidence on the use of targeted incentives in Next Steps (and other innovations) and developments in approaches to handling missing data. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://hubble-live-assets.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/slls/file_asset/file/1117/2024_SLLS_CONFERENCE... |
| Description | Peking University workshops in 2024 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Designed a 2-day workshop at Peking University, and delivered sessions on: -comparative research -an introduction to cohort studies -social inequalities in health |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Presentation at AAPOR Conference on findings of an experimental study evaluating different approaches to measuring income |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Tugba Adali presented findings from an experimental study evaluating different approaches to measuring income in surveys at the 77th American Association for Public Opinion Research(AAPOR) conference in Chicago, USA. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://aapor.org/aapor-78th-annual-conference/ |
| Description | Presentation at the Society for Longitudinal and Lifecourse Studies (SLLS), 'Growing Up and Growing Older Across Societies: Harnessing the Power of Comparative Research' |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | I presented the paper 'Income volatility and maternal psychological distress: evidence from the UK' at the SLLS 2022 conference, which led to a submission to a Journal. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Presentation in Study Abroad Program |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Talk on the Millennium Cohort Study to students and programme leads from Oregon State University in the U.S. as part of Study Abroad summer 2024 Programme. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Presentation to Home Office on weapons carrying analysis and wider CLS policy engagement |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Up to 35 policymakers in the Home Office (HO) crime analysis division attended a presentation on recent CLS research on the predictors and prevalence of weapons carrying in young people using MCS data. A secondary presentation was made on CLS's new strategic approach to policy engagement and policy-relevant research, and HO colleagues requested future working with CLS on our evidence on criminal and risk taking behaviours. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Press release: 10% of teenagers have tried hard drugs by age 17 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | A press release and briefing paper were produced to share initial findings from the age 17 survey of the Millennium Cohort Study. The research showed that almost a third of 17-year-olds had tried cannabis and one in 10 had tried harder drugs, such as cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine, with similar rates of experimentation regardless of parents' education level. The findings were covered by BBC News, The Times, Daily Mail, Telegraph, Independent, and Metro, with co-author, Dr Aase Villadsen interviewed on BBC Radio Scotland, TalkRadio and Times Radio. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://cls.ucl.ac.uk/10-of-teenagers-have-tried-hard-drugs-by-age-17/ |
| Description | Press release: One in 11 males have carried or used a weapon at age 17 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | A press release and briefing paper were produced to showcase Millennium Cohort Study research co-authored by Professor Emla Fitzsimons and Dr Aase Villadsen. The study found that at age 17, 9% of males have carried or used a weapon, with one in four of those involved in this form of serious offending reporting they are gang members. The research was covered by the Mail, Telegraph, Wales Online and Police Professional. Dr Aase Villadsen was interviewed on LBC News Radio and Times News Radio. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://cls.ucl.ac.uk/one-in-11-males-have-carried-or-used-a-weapon-at-age-17/ |
| Description | Qualitative Study with MCS cohort members |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | A qualitative research project was conducted in collaboration with Ipsos Mori. MCS participants were invited to take part in a series of focus groups and in-depth interviews which focused on participant reflections on taking part, barriers to participation, how best to engage study members, how best to make contact, preferences regarding survey mode, collecting information from other family members and other aspects of participation. The findings have been used to inform the design of the forthcoming Age 23 Survey. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Research presentation to the Youth Endowment Fund |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | This was a presentation to the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) on findings from a recent report on adverse and positive childhood experiences in relation to youth violence. This was attended by around 30 staff at the YEF. This lead to discussion and follow up emails about further research being undertaken and funded by the YEF. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | SLLS presentation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Academic conference presentation on the relationship between attainment in GCSEs and mental health |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.slls.org.uk/events/2024-slls-annual-international-conference |
| Description | Social media campaign: Child of the New Century 21 Stories |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
| Results and Impact | To mark the first 21 years of the Millennium Cohort Study (Child of the New Century), CLS will run a celebratory campaign across its participant-facing social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). The '21 Stories' campaign will feature participant reflections, research findings, impact examples, and behind-the-scenes insights into how the study operates. Running for 21 weeks from early March 2023, the campaign will reignite participant enthusiasm in advance of the Age 23 Survey, due to launch in September 2023. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://childnc.net/ |
| Description | UCL- Chile Knowledge Exchange: data management talk |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The objective of the Chilean Visit to CLS was to learn about the UK Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) and how administrative and survey data is used by academia and government to deliver highly relevant research that improves public policies and impact people's life. Representatives of different UK institutions presented to the Chilean group about their experience producing high-impact policy research using UK administrative and survey data. Then, we had an open and guided discussion in which Chilean delegates will ask you questions. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://www.adruk.org/news-publications/news-blogs/international-knowledge-sharing-public-good-data-... |
| Description | Webinar: Introducing longitudinal population studies - The ONS Longitudinal Study and LSYPE2 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | This webinar showcased two of the CLOSER partner studies - the ONS Longitudinal Study and the Longitudinal Study of Young People in England 2. The webinar focused on the studies' backgrounds, data collected, data access arrangements, and exemplar research case studies. The event was attended by 64 delegates (60% attendance rate). Of the 11 evaluation forms completed, the majority of delegates rated it as 10/10 for satisfaction and relevancy. Videos and presentation slides were uploaded after the event. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://closer.ac.uk/event/ons-ls-lsype2-webinar/ |
| Description | Woman's Hour |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Emla Fitzsimons appeared on BBC Woman's Hour on 4 July 2022, interviewed by Emma Barnett, to discuss her research on the importance of round-the-clock hands-on support for breastfeeding in hospitals. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| Description | Workshop on comparative research - University of Zurich 2025 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | David Bann was invited to give a workshop on comparative research at the University of Zurich on comparative research (invited by Laura Bechtiger and Clarissa Janousch). This half-day workshop was delivered, along with Nikki Shure. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |
| Description | Workshop on obesity research in Copenhage University for PhD students |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | David Bann delivered 2 lectures/workshops in a teaching programme at Copenhagen University in 2025. These focused on: 1) obesity/cohort research and 2) using AI to accelerate research. Audience was 20 Phd students and the group lead Prof Berit Heitmann. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2025 |