Our work
Introduction
The UK is home to an unparalleled collection of longitudinal population studies (LPS) – tracking individuals over time to provide rich insights into their lives, health, and environments. These studies are supported by a network of services that produce and provide research resources across multiple disciplines.
As PRUK, our goal is to maximise the impact of longitudinal data by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, improving accessibility, and informing policy. We provide leadership for the LPS community, advocate for its needs, and strategically invest in solutions that enhance research outcomes.
Objectives
We focus on five key objectives to drive change:
- Coordinate and advocate for the LPS community
- Enhance discovery capabilities for LPS
- Streamline data access processes and mechanisms
- Facilitate LPS linked data use
- Build capacity and skills for LPS
Our vision
Our vision is for a simplified, interconnected data landscape where LPS users experience a seamless journey – from discovering and accessing data to conducting meaningful research.
Our mission
Our mission is to harness the power of LPS assets to create a research environment where longitudinal studies reach their full potential – enabling groundbreaking discoveries and real-world impact.
We are working to provide a more streamlined experience for LPS data users – simplifying discovery, enhancing access and supporting analysis.
Who we are
PRUK is led by a multidisciplinary team of experts driving innovation in longitudinal research.
We are an initiative co-developed by the University of Bristol, University College London, Swansea University, CLOSER and UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration.
Our leadership team brings a balanced approach across social, economic, and biomedical research. CLOSER and UK LLC provide specialised services that support and strengthen the LPS research community.
CLOSER, the home of longitudinal research, is the interdisciplinary partnership of leading social and biomedical longitudinal population studies.
UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration (UK LLC) provides researchers with a route to access linked data from well-established Longitudinal Population Studies (LPS) to routine records.
Our funders
We are supported by a £9 million investment from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Medical Research Council (MRC) to deliver and commission services that enhance population research.
ESRC is the UK’s largest funder of economic, social, behavioural and human data science.
MRC funds research at the forefront of science to prevent illness, develop therapies and improve human health.
Our forum
The PRUK forum is a dynamic community of stakeholders, including researchers, evidence users (such as policymakers), study management teams, existing platforms and infrastructures serving the LPS communities, industrial and commercial partners, study participants, and the public.
Our activities will focus on raising awareness, fostering collaboration, and seeking feedback to strengthen PRUK’s ability to support and advance LPS-related work.
The forum activities will be guided by our rotating chairs, ensuring leadership benefits from diverse networks and perspectives as the initiative evolves. The chairs will lead community interactions, act as PRUK ambassadors, and ensure the community’s voice is integral to PRUK’s decision-making processes.
Laying the foundation for our work
In 2021, ESRC, MRC and Wellcome Trust commissioned Health Data Research UK to assess how to maximise the potential of LPS data. Based on these findings, ESRC and MRC established the PRUK Coordination Hub and funded three projects to lay the groundwork for this initiative.