We’re pleased to announce a new project to help maximise the visibility and long‑term value of data from Longitudinal Population Studies. The initiative will enable UK-based Longitudinal Population Studies to apply to join UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration (UK LLC) and/or the UK Data Service at no cost.
The project is being led by UK LLC in collaboration with the UK Data Service and is funded by Population Research UK. This funding will improve data discovery capabilities, streamline data access processes and mechanisms, and support linkage and access to linked Longitudinal Population Studies data.
Camilla Philpot Thomsen, Associate Director for Data Operations at the UK Data Service, said: “The UK Data Service is delighted to partner with UK LLC on this fantastic opportunity to expand access to and enhance the usability of a wider range of Longitudinal Population Study data. With our strong expertise in data governance and data reuse, we will support the development of appropriate pathways for data sharing for eligible Longitudinal Population Studies and provide preservation or discovery solutions where data cannot be shared.”
Why apply?
The initiative will be highly beneficial to a range of Longitudinal Population Studies. UK LLC is a national community-led research infrastructure providing record-linkage as a service to Longitudinal Population Studies and FAIR data access via their longitudinal research Trusted Research Environment.
Over 22 major Longitudinal Population Studies have already joined UK LLC, depositing data covering more than 500,000 participants, which are systematically linked to participants’ NHS, socio-economic and environmental/place-based records.
The UK Data Service is the principal repository for economic, population and social research data in the UK, and hosts data from many of the UK’s socio-economic focused Longitudinal Population Studies. We acquire, curate and preserve data across a wide range of disciplines, focusing on research, teaching and policy needs.
Archiving data with us ensures long-term preservation and access to collections, increasing the transparency and reproducibility of research. We accept high-quality, reusable data collections with clear documentation and that have ethical and legal compliance. While our primary focus is on social science data, we welcome data with broad relevance, significant coverage or unique value, provided it meets compliance and the needs of our dedicated user community.
Want to learn more?
The initiative is open to UK-based Longitudinal Population Studies which have participant volunteers that have provided data to the study, are longitudinal in nature, and hold and control the use of study data including (for UK LLC) participant identifiers.
Please note that clinical trials are not eligible for this opportunity. If you’d like to learn more about how your study can get involved, we’ll be hosting a webinar on Tuesday 14 April from 10:00–11:00 with more information on the initiative and how you can apply.