Cohort and Longitudinal Studies Enhancement Resources (CLOSER) - 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2028

CLOSER is a unique research centre that works to increase the visibility, use and impact of United Kingdom (UK) social and biomedical longitudinal population studies (LPS) data and research, in strategic partnership with LPS teams and data services. Founded in 2012, CLOSER’s team of specialists serve the biomedical and social science communities, providing a suite of core services and resources to connect LPS studies and their users and enabling LPS data and research to drive forward an evidence informed society. In the UK, there are at least 65 LPS [1] mainly funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Medical Research Council (MRC), Wellcome Trust, and UK Government.

In the period 2024 to 2028, CLOSER will continue to deliver its core services of data discoverability, knowledge exchange, education and training, and policy engagement. These services will be strengthened based on over a decade of experience and will be continually tailored towards the evolving landscape of LPS users including researchers, professional research services staff, non-profit organisations, parliamentary staff, civil servants, charities, and think tanks. Through its international networks, CLOSER will continue to craft a space wherein CLOSER is highly visible on the global stage, bringing further opportunities for external funding and impact.

During 2024 to 2028, CLOSER will contribute to Population Research UK (PRUK) through representation on the PRUK management team and by collaborating with LPS organisations and users across the UK. In doing so, CLOSER will connect and strengthen the LPS landscape in the PRUK spoke areas of data discoverability, cross-community activities, and capacity building.

CLOSER will support the ESRC’s Data Infrastructure Strategy using its strategic position in the landscape and status as a centre of excellence for providing LPS resources. By continuing to provide high quality, state-of-the-art resources in collaboration with other LPS...