Longitudinal Population Studies

There are over 2 million people in the UK who are part of one of around 50 longitudinal population study (LPS) in the UK, which can include cohorts, panel studies and linked biobanks. These individuals have consented to regularly provide data, complete surveys, clinical investigations or samples (such as blood, saliva, DNA) sometimes over many decades.

Longitudinal population studies are an extremely valuable resource for researchers, who can use the findings to understand how biological, social, economic and environmental factors can interplay to create different outcomes and inequalities in different groups of people.