The UK Census-based Longitudinal Studies – the Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study (NILS), Scottish Longitudinal Study (SLS) and ONS Longitudinal Study of England and Wales (ONS LS) – are rich research resources. Combining census and administrative data, they allow longitudinal follow-up for up to 40 years with a uniquely powerful sample size allowing analysis to a finer-grained level than is possible with most other datasets. Research to date has covered economics, housing policy, social mobility, family dynamics, ethnic identity, health outcomes, demographics, education, migration, NEETs and much much more.

This event forms part of a series of Roadshow events across Scotland, England and Wales. Come along to hear examples of the many types of research that the LSs can be used for, to find out more about their potential and learn how you can access them.

This event is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science and will focus primarily on the ONS Longitudinal Study, with talks by academics who have used the data for their own research:

• Prof Tak-Wing Chan (University of Warwick) “Family size and educational attainment in England and Wales“
• Sebastian Franke (University of Liverpool) “Overall and cause-specific mortality differences by partnership status in 21st century England and Wales“
• Dr Saffron Karlsen (University of Bristol) “Ethnic differences in intragenerational social mobility between 1971 and 2011“

The second part of the afternoon will give a broad overview of the UK LSs and their potential for your research. There will also be an opportunity to speak to representatives of all 3 studies.

The 13th annual Festival of Social Science takes place from 7-14 November 2015 with over 200 free events nationwide. Run by the Economic and Social Research Council, the Festival provides an opportunity for anyone to meet with some of the country’s leading social scientists and discover, discuss and debate the role that research plays in everyday life. With a whole range of creative and engaging events there’s something for everyone including businesses, charities, schools and government agencies. A full programme is available at www.esrc.ac.uk/festival  You can also join the discussion on Twitter using #esrcfestival