Longitudinal resources for teaching and research: an Introduction to CLOSER

Thursday 14 September 2017
Humanities Bridgeford Street, University of Manchester

Hosted by the University of Manchester Q-Step Centre and the Data Skills and Training Research Group, Cathie Marsh Institute, and facilitated by Professor Alison Park, CLOSER

This workshop comprises two sessions. Participants should indicate on the booking form if they will attend one or both sessions. The workshop is free to attend but booking is required.

1.30-2.30pm: SESSION 1

This session is targeted at undergraduate and postgraduate course leaders and lecturers who are interested in incorporating content about longitudinal studies (including methods, findings and analysis) into their curricula

Overview of CLOSER’s work in training and capacity building

CLOSER is funded by the ESRC and MRC to maximise the use of longitudinal data. This includes an important workstream in training and capacity building. CLOSER is seeking input from those with an interest or responsibility in teaching to inform its training and capacity building offer for the next two years. This brief overview covers CLOSER’s work in this area to date. This includes an introduction to the new CLOSER Learning Hub, a new online teaching resource aimed at a non-expert and interdisciplinary audience.

Discussion: How can longitudinal research be embedded successfully into existing teaching provision?

With background on CLOSER’s existing provision, attendees will explore what other teaching and learning resources are needed. In particular, the group would consider:

Where are there still gaps in training provision for longitudinal research?
What are the challenges to filling them?
What would you need in order to start teaching longitudinal research as part of your course/module?

2.30-3.00pm: Coffee, tea and cakes

3.00-4.30pm: SESSSION 2

This session is targeted at researchers across disciplines and career stages who are using data, or are considering using data, from the CLOSER longitudinal studies

CLOSER Discovery demonstration and hands on session

The first part of this session will be a demonstration of CLOSER Discovery, www.discovery.closer.ac.uk an innovative new search engine that enables researchers to explore the content of eight leading UK longitudinal studies. It is the most detailed and sophisticated search tool of its kind. There will also be the opportunity for participants to try Discovery for themselves.

Harmonising and linking data

In addition to making longitudinal data more discoverable, CLOSER is working to enhance the data for research purposes. It has focused on harmonising commonly used measures within and across studies, as well as facilitating linkage of study data to administrative records. This short session will provide a brief overview of CLOSER’s work in these areas, including forthcoming harmonised datasets to be deposited at the UK Data Service, and current and planned linkages.

Booking