07 | Cohort Studies and Evidence Synthesis

Generation Scotland (GS) is a research resource of over 40,000 people from across Scotland used to study the genetic and environmental basis of common diseases. The cohort reflects Scotland’s urban–rural and island population distribution and aligns well with national ethnicity data, particularly among younger participants (aged 12-18).

We combine genetic data from bio-samples, such as blood and saliva, and questionnaires, with electronic healthcare data. This includes GP and hospital admission records, which date back to the 1980s, as well as more unique datasets such as medical imaging, dental and optician data. This allows researchers to track long-term health outcomes without needing to re-contact participants.

The cohort offers detailed biological data such as genotyping, DNA methylation and proteomics which make it a world-leading genetic resource. GS has been widely used by researchers with over 350 peer-reviewed papers published using GS data, contributing to research areas such as ageing, cancer, cardiovascular disease and mental health. This includes pioneering work to use epigenetics to better predict a person’s risk of developing certain diseases.

Learn about recent work from the Viking Genes project, including return of genetic findings to volunteers and the discovery that Scottish Islanders are genetically distinct. We will highlight recent discoveries from the Hebrides around familial hypercholesterolaemia risk and how this helps build the evidence base for future population-wide genetic health screening - to increase equity the delivery of genomic medicine in Scotland.

Exhibitor: Ben Fletcher

UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration is the national Trusted Research Environment (TRE) for data linkage in longitudinal research, led by the Universities of Bristol and Edinburgh. It simplifies access to linked data for research in the public good.

The data held in the TRE is provided by a wonderful collection of established UK Longitudinal Population Studies whose participants have been providing data on the basis they are used for research to deliver global benefits and impact.

UK LLC enhances the study-collected data by linking participants’ health and socioeconomic data and data about the environments, neighbourhoods and dwellings in which participants live.Display will focus on introducing our partner studies, data availability, application process to access the data and its benefits, and Public Involvement Programme.

Exhibitor: Stela McLachlan

NIHR Evidence Synthesis Scotland InitiativE (NESSIE) is one of nine evidence synthesis groups funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) evidence synthesis programme. The aim of the evidence synthesis groups is to address knowledge gaps or to answer a specific need for healthcare, public health and social care stakeholders/audiences.

We undertake evidence synthesis projects in response to requests from the NIHR. The evidence synthesis projects will have a direct impact on decision-making, patient and client care, reducing inequalities and identifying future research needs.We promote and advertise our projects using a wide range of dissemination activities including research reports, scientific posters, and meeting presentations and other methods such as social media posts, infographics, visual abstracts, blogs, podcasts, videos etc. Activities are tailored to the intended audience.

For members of the audience who have a topic for an evidence synthesis that addresses knowledge gaps or answers a specific need for healthcare, public health and social care stakeholders, we can advise on how to submit the topic to the NIHR.

Exhibitor: Marlene Stewart

The aim of NESSIE is to assess the evidence on NPIs as implemented in the UK, to support policy-makers to prepare for future pandemics.

The study was the first to assess the available evidence on the effectiveness of NPIs in the UK. Few studies were found with high internal validity, the rest were highly heterogeneous with most NPI categories providing very low certainty or inconclusive evidence of a protective effect. These results do not necessarily reflect a lack of effectiveness of packages of NPIs implemented in the UK but highlight the need to strengthen evaluation of public health interventions.

Evidence generation needs to be improved to support future pandemic decision-making. This could for example by achieved by developing ‘sleeper’ study platforms and protocols which can be activated during an epidemic or pandemic, facilitate processes for incorporating rapid data governance and ethical approvals, or the delivery of rapid adaptive trials for the simultaneous testing of various NPI.

Exhibitors: Gwenetta Curry and Ruth McQuillan