New studies added to CLOSER’s Discovery research tool

The addition of Generation Scotland and the Whitehall II study to CLOSER Discovery allows researchers to explore data in an unprecedented level of detail on a Scotland-wide longitudinal study covering childhood to old age, as well as data on civil servants from 20 Whitehall departments during 1985–88.

Discover Generation Scotland data

Data collected from Generation Scotland’s (GenScot) baseline questionnaire, and responses to the study’s series of UK-wide COVIDLife questionnaires and RuralCOVIDLife are now available in CLOSER’s Discovery research tool.

With the addition of 4062 variables, 800 questions and 11 datasets, researchers can find data that spans GenScot’s baseline questionnaire at recruitment in 2006-2011, including a range of health and lifestyle topics such as medical history, smoking history and exposure, diet and medication history.

The update includes responses to COVIDLife questionnaires ran by GenScot to evaluate the impact of the pandemic. COVIDLife questionnaire topics included self-reported health, psychological measures, social support and relationships, employment and financial circumstances and COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. A subset of around 5,000 individuals were also GenScot participants, so their responses can be linked to GenScot questionnaires, genotype, and linked data.

Archie Campbell, Chief Technical Officer at Generation Scotland said:

“I am delighted that Generation Scotland data has now been added to CLOSER’s Discovery research tool. Researchers can use this valuable point of access to learn more about the potential of the study’s data. There are more datasets still to come that we will be adding in the near future.”

Discover Whitehall II data

CLOSER Discovery now also contains questionnaires and data from Phase 1 to Phase 12 of the Whitehall II study.

Researchers can explore 9,866 variables, 2492 questions, and 38 datasets from the study, which cover data collected from clinical screenings, health surveys, and health event data including cancer, disease and mortality. The data also cover topics such as alcohol consumption, physical activity, smoking and mental health.

Professor Mika Kivimaki, Director of Whitehall II said:

“We’re so pleased that Whitehall II metadata is now searchable on the CLOSER Discovery research tool for longitudinal population studies. This update enables researchers to search, explore and assess Whitehall II study variables in detail.”

Start your search today!

CLOSER Discovery —the UK’s most comprehensive research tool for longitudinal population studies— provides a single point of entry to rich questionnaire and dataset metadata. This free-to-access research tool enables researchers and data managers at all stages of the research process to search, explore and assess longitudinal population study data.

We’ve produced a set of guides to help new users navigate their way through CLOSER Discovery – check out our How-to guides which include two short videos on how to search CLOSER Discovery and how to explore CLOSER Discovery.

If you would like to know more, our latest webinar which demonstrates how to get the most out of CLOSER Discovery:

Help improve CLOSER Discovery

CLOSER Discovery relies on feedback from users to improve its functionality and utility. If you notice errors, experience problems, or have suggestions for useful features, please complete our feedback form.

Further information:

Notes for editors

Accessing Whitehall II data: Bona fide researchers in the UK and internationally can access Whitehall II study data via the Dementias Platform, UK—All applications to DPUK for access to Whitehall II data are processed first by the DPUK administrative team before being reviewed by the study’s data sharing committee. More information can be found on the Whitehall II Cohort – DPUK Data Portal study page or the Whitehall II study website.

Accessing Generation Scotland data: Researchers complete a collaboration proposal form available on the GenScot website, which is reviewed by the Generation Scotland Access Committee. You can find out more on the GenScot website.