1. Developing and improving data resources for social science research A Strategic Approach to the Development of Longitudinal Data: progress, outcomes and future plans Peter Elias Longview Autumn Conference Oxford, 2 nd - 3 rd October 2008

2. Developing and improving data resources for social science research Plan of the presentation the National Data Strategy and longitudinal data – what has been achieved so far? the Birth Cohorts Facility (BCF) next steps (2008-2010)

3. Developing and improving data resources for social science research Developing a strategy for longitudinal data Consulting with the research community - Strategic Review of Panel and Cohort Studies - Scientific Case for a New Birth Cohort Study Key recommendations were: - expand BHPS to 40,000 households; - new cohort study should be started in around 2012; - cross cohort collaboration should be facilitated; - ALSPAC and LSYPE should be investigated to see if they fill the thirty year gap between 1970 and 2000/01 cohorts.

4. Developing and improving data resources for social science research Bidding to the LFCF (Large Facilities Capital Fund) UKHLS (now Understanding Society) bid submitted in 2005 - £12.5m released in 2006; BCF bid submitted in March 2008 - £28.5m earmarked in July 2008; Note - this is new money (over and above what would otherwise be spent by ESRC, MRC and Wellcome)

5. Developing and improving data resources for social science research What is the Birth Cohorts Facility? 3 components: The launch of a new birth cohort in 2012 The Secure Access Facility (SAF) – access and linkage Coordinated data collection and comparative data development where appropriate

6. Developing and improving data resources for social science research What are the next steps? prepare Full Business Case and seek Ministerial approval for release of funds. (further work required to explore options in consultation with scientific community); the SDS and the ADLS as pilots for the SAF;SDS and the ADLS implementing the common framework for governance arrangements (MRC, Wellcome, ESRC); reviewing the potential of the LSYPE.

7. Developing and improving data resources for social science research Future developments in longitudinal studies collecting biomarkers in Understanding Society international collaboration: o the German, French, Irish and Swiss cohorts as comparators o The role of ESFRI in supporting an EU infrastructure bidESFRI o US and New Zealand and their new birth cohorts

8. Developing and improving data resources for social science research Revising the National Data Strategy The National Strategy for Data Resources for the Social Sciences is a plan to develop and maintain a robust data infrastructure, ensuring that relevant and timely data are available to facilitate social scientific investigation within future research priorities.

9. Developing and improving data resources for social science research How does all this fit with the revised NDS? need for better use of existing resources improving data through linkage coordinated access arrangements

10. Developing and improving data resources for social science research Further information Visit www.esrc.ac.uk/ndswww.esrc.ac.uk/nds Click on the images below (in presentation mode and online)