Over 9,000 Next Steps variables added to the CLOSER Discovery search engine

Researchers can now search and explore a complete set of variable metadata from all sweeps of Next Steps, the only national longitudinal study tracking the lives of the millennial generation.

Following the latest update to the CLOSER Discovery search engine, researchers can view and assess data from the study, with options to search by keyword or explore by topic. Each search result provides a summary of the variables available, the question on which a variable is based and its lineage within the questionnaire. Users are also able to filter their search results by topic and life stage.

Next Steps is a longitudinal cohort study which follows around 16,000 people in England born in 1989-90, collecting information about different aspects of their lives. Previously known as the Longitudinal Study of Young People in England, Next Steps began when the cohort members were 14 years old, with sweeps every year up until age 20, and then again at age 25. The age 32 survey is set to get underway this year

Topics covered in Next Steps include education and employment, wellbeing, mental and physical health, social participation and identity, family life, and use of technology. Research from the study has provided insights into the experiences of the millennial generation which have influenced national policy. CLOSER’s latest blog from Next Steps director, Dr Morag Henderson takes a look at the study and its research potential.

Professor Rebecca Hardy, CLOSER director said, “I am delighted that Next Steps has been added to CLOSER Discovery. The inclusion of these 9,000+ variables will undoubtedly help more researchers discover and start using this fascinating study in their own investigations.

“I am grateful to Dr Morag Henderson and her team for all their hard work – not only in working with us to add the study metadata to Discovery, but also for their continued dedication to longitudinal research.”

Metadata from CLS’s three other longitudinal studies – the 1958, 1970, and 2000-02 British birth cohorts – are currently available to explore in CLOSER Discovery and further metadata will be added in future updates to the platform.

For more information, the CLOSER Discovery content page lists all the current content available on the platform.

Unsure where to start?

For those new to using CLOSER Discovery, two short videos provide step-by-step instructions for how you can use the search by keyword and explore by topic functions to discover COVID-19 metadata.

Help improve CLOSER Discovery

CLOSER Discovery relies on feedback from users to improve its functionality and utility. If you notice errors, experience problems, or have suggestions for useful features, please contact the CLOSER Discovery Team: closer@ucl.ac.uk