What is the UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration?

The UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration (UK LLC) was set up as a UK government-funded initiative to help researchers investigate the effects of COVID-19 and its implications for public health policy. UK LLC is working to widen the scope beyond COVID-19 research so that the data can be used for any research that benefits the public.

Across the UK, thousands of people are taking part in longitudinal studies like NCDS, which follow participants over time. At the Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS), we run four studies – NCDS, the 1970 British Cohort Study, Next Steps, and Child of the New Century (also known as the Millennium Cohort Study). There are many other studies in the UK, similar to these. Among others, these include, Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, Generation Scotland, National Survey of Health and Development, Southall and Brent Revisited, Twins UK, UK Biobank and Understanding Society.

Each study collects vital information which allows researchers to answer key questions about the factors which affect people’s experiences and circumstances throughout their lives.

The UK LLC brings together de-identified data from many of these studies including the four studies we run at CLS, together with linked administrative data, into a single database available to approved researchers for approved research projects. Combining the data from these studies together makes the data even more valuable, creating a resource which will further increase the potential for research. For more details see About adding other information and refer to the UK LLC privacy policy.