Researchers: new user guide

Welcome to ALSPAC

Welcome to the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) - one of the world’s most detailed and enduring population health studies (since 1991). ALSPAC follows thousands of families across three generations, providing an exceptional resource for researchers seeking to answer complex questions about health, society and environment.

Our robust infrastructure means we can offer a range of reliable and low-cost solutions to accessing this valuable information. Whether you are exploring new hypotheses or extending existing work, ALSPAC offers multiple ways to collaborate:

Researchers can browse extensive catalogues of phenotypic, genetic, biological and linked data (e.g. GP records and education), supported by clear documentation and expert guidance from our team.

Once you identify relevant variables, you can apply to access data through a transparent proposal process designed to support high-quality science (while protecting participants’ confidentiality).

ALSPAC enables researchers to collect new data or embed sub-studies, offering unique opportunities to test emerging ideas in a deeply characterised population.  From pilot concepts to large interdisciplinary projects (whether questionnaires, biological samples or face-to-face measures), our team works closely with applicants to shape feasible proposals and maximise scientific impact.

If you are ready to develop a research idea, explore the data catalogue, discuss feasibility or submit a proposal, ALSPAC provides the expertise, infrastructure and collaborative environment to help turn your research questions into meaningful discoveries.

More details on our new submission process are available here:  Changes to OPS

Useful links:

Read our ALSPAC access policy (PDF, 695kB) for full guidance on accessing our data.

Contact alspac-data@bristol.ac.uk if you require guidance or support using ASLPAC Data.