Social and biomedical science researchers can demonstrate impact in a number of ways. Their work might influence social and economic policy development, or improve how policy is understood. Research can also improve practice, for example in public service delivery, or through developing skills and techniques in the research community itself.
As the home of longitudinal research, we are leading efforts to ensure that longitudinal evidence is used to address the biomedical, social, economic and environmental challenges facing society.
To better equip the research community to tackle these challenges we create resources, including harmonised datasets and our unique search engine CLOSER Discovery, and develop tools and organise training events for experienced and early-career researchers. We are currently developing training to help researchers engage with policymakers.
Our CLOSER Policy alerts newsletters are also designed to keep researchers up to date with the latest policy developments of interest to the longitudinal research community including calls for evidence, government consultations, and other relevant policy announcements.
Researchers and others with an interest in longitudinal research can find out about our resources by attending our events, signing up to receive our email newsletters, following us on Twitter − or by using this website.
Securing and assessing impact is never straightforward. A key challenge is to translate and communicate the evidence from the studies in relevant, accessible, understandable and useful ways to both policy and practice audiences.
We work closely with government, policymakers, think tanks and the third sector to influence policy. This includes submitting longitudinal evidence to government consultations on behalf of ourselves and our studies.
View our consultation submissions.