Insights from our nationwide stakeholder consultation
In today’s data-driven world, the potential of the UK’s longitudinal population studies (LPS) is enormous. These datasets not only set trends in social, economic, and biomedical research, but they also offer the promise of transformative breakthroughs – if we can harness them effectively.
Today, we are sharing our stakeholder consultation report featuring insights from researchers and data specialists gathered during six workshops held across Belfast, Leeds, Edinburgh, Bristol, London, and online.
Read the full report (PDF, 22MB)
Our consultation journey
During October and November 2024, we engaged with a diverse group of stakeholders to ensure our future activities reflect community-driven priorities.
Discussions focused on five key workstreams:
- Discovery: enhancing the visibility and findability of LPS datasets
- Access: streamlining processes and removing barriers for researchers
- Linkage: creating secure frameworks to integrate multiple data sources
- Coordination and advocacy: strengthening collaboration and policy engagement
- Training and capacity building: equipping the community with the skills to navigate complex data
For a deeper dive into our vision, watch PRUK’s leadership team discuss the impact of this work.
Key insights from our community
Simplifying data discovery is a top priority. Researchers highlighted the need for more accessible, well-organised, and user-friendly ways to find LPS datasets. Pre-access feasibility assessments and data utility tools were identified as potential solutions.
Data access remains a challenge due to fragmented governance and inconsistent procedures across studies. Researchers called for greater harmonisation to streamline access and reduce barriers.
Bias in linked datasets is a major concern. Participants emphasised the importance of referencing LPS data against whole population aggregated datasets to enhance representativeness and equity in research.
Advocacy and coordination are essential. PRUK has a key role in strengthening policy engagement, building capacity, and supporting collaboration across the research community. Stakeholders stressed the need for dedicated advocacy efforts in Northern Ireland to unlock the full potential of LPS linkages.
Training and capacity building gaps were evident, particularly in linked and multi-modal data analysis. Stakeholders proposed solutions including a Secure Data Environment for training, better signposting of existing resources, and synthetic data for both training and pre-access feasibility assessments.
Cross-cutting priorities included early-career researcher support, career pathways, and enhancing inclusion and representation in LPS data. Researchers also saw AI-powered tools as a potential game-changer for automating discovery and streamlining research workflows.
In the following video, members of the LPS community share their perspectives on PRUK’s role in strengthening longitudinal research.
Moving from consultation to action
As we transition from listening to action, we remain committed to ongoing engagement with the longitudinal research community.
Thank you to everyone who shared their expertise and insights. With the support of the University of Bristol, University College London, Swansea University, CLOSER, and the UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration, alongside our funders, the Economic and Social Research Council and the Medical Research Council, we are building a more interconnected, accessible, and innovative research landscape in the UK.
