Research and consultancy

Our research

Key messages

• The CLS cohort study datasets are unique high-quality, valuable resources for research in a range of social, economic and biomedical disciplines
• CLS is a centre of excellence in cohort study research and management
• CLS drives innovation in longitudinal research methods, cohort study management, survey methodology, and data management and shares learning and best practice with others
• CLS helps data users navigate the complexity of cohort study data by providing training, documentation and other support
• Evidence from the CLS cohort studies has improved individuals' lives, and is a valuable source for policy and practice development, and for informing individual behaviour
• Evidence from the CLS cohort studies helps to paint a clearer picture of British society by charting social change and highlighting the reasons behind it.

Ongoing research projects

• Harmony: A new AI data tool that facilitates global mental health research
• Education and social mobility across cohorts: Exploring the role of education in increasing social mobility 
• Home moves in early years: The impact on children in UK and US 
• In-work poverty and retirement attitudes among a cohort born in 1958 
• Schooling and unequal outcomes in youth and adulthood 
• Social and emotional skills in childhood and their long-term effects on adult life 
• What works for well-being cross-cutting capability

CLS Cross-Cohort Research Programme (CCRP)

Funded by the ESRC for three years (April 1, 2015–March 31, 2018). The intergenerational transmission of advantage and disadvantage is at the heart of academic analysis across a wide range of disciplines and is central to many policy concerns both in the UK and internationally.

Healthy Lifestyles

• Intergenerational influences on physical activity
• Parental working hours and the prevalence of obesity
• Childhood mental health trajectories
• Alcohol use across the life course and its links with health and wellbeing

See details on Healthy lifestyles: Cross Cohort Research Programme 

Social Mobility

• Parent's wealth in childhood and its relationship with children's development
• Social mobility mechanisms and consequences
• Education and occupational aspirations

Further details:

• Social Mobility: Cross Cohort Research Programme

Consultancy

Our centre is an internationally recognised interdisciplinary Economic and Social Research Centre (ESRC) Resource Centre.

CLS staff offer a range of consultancy services. Particular areas of expertise include:

• Longitudinal data analysis
• Survey and sampling design
• Labour market activity
• Ethnicity
• Equal opportunities
• Social capital and social participation
• Childcare
• Child Development.