Population Research UK Conference 2027

Population Research UK (PRUK) is delighted to launch its first conference, taking place on 5 - 6 May 2027 at Mary Ward House, London, under the theme “Addressing health, social and economic challenges across the life course".

This free two-day event will bring together the Longitudinal Population Studies (LPS) community to explore developments in population research, data, methods and impact.

Connect with colleagues across disciplines, share learning and build new collaborations to address some of society’s most pressing challenges. 

About the conference 

Through its scientific programme, the conference will showcase cutting-edge longitudinal population research and methodological innovation.

A programme of keynote presentations, scientific sessions, panel discussions and satellite activities will demonstrate how evidence from LPS, using both UK and international data, is generating impact across society.

Drawing on PRUK-funded activities, partnerships and community initiatives, sessions will explore how evolving data infrastructures are opening new opportunities for research, including the use of linked health and socio-economic records, pooling data across studies, and cross-study replication.

The event will highlight the vital contribution of LPS in generating evidence that informs policy, practice and decision-making across a wide range of health, social and economic issues.

Please note that the conference will take place in person only. Attendance is free, but places are limited, so register early to secure your place.

Agenda and speakers 

Our conference planning group are shaping the scientific programme to showcase research, methodological innovation and emerging evidence across key areas including:  

• Health, wellbeing and inequalities across the life course  

• Families, relationships and intergenerational dynamics  

• Education, work and socioeconomic trajectories  

• Places, environments and population change  

• Longitudinal phenotyping (molecular, imaging, omics)  

• Innovation in methods, data and linkages  

Alongside the scientific themes, the programme will explore relevant cross-cutting areas that are shaping the future of longitudinal population research, including:  

• Research for policy and practice  

• Inclusion, equity and representation  

• Research infrastructure, access and trust  

• International and comparative perspectives  

 The full agenda and speakers will be available in due course. 

Impact showcase awards 

As part of the first-ever conference organised by Population Research UK, we are also delighted to launch our Impact Showcase Awards. 

The awards, developed with our funders, celebrate the people, partnerships and impact behind LPS, recognising the many ways that research improves lives, advances knowledge and creates positive change across society.

Submit your application for the chance to be selected as one of three finalists invited to work with PRUK to develop a professionally produced multimedia impact showcase – a valuable asset to the research community and a supported case study report.

The finalists’ showcases will be presented at the conference, where the overall winner will be announced.

Apply by 27 November: Impact Showcase Awards 2027

Who should attend the conference? 

While the scientific programme is aimed primarily at researchers and those directly involved in LPS, the conference will also bring together policymakers, practitioners, public contributors, infrastructure providers, funders and others interested in how longitudinal research generates evidence, informs decision-making and creates impact across society.

Alongside the scientific programme, the conference will offer dedicated opportunities for Early Career Researchers and the wider LPS community, including training, networking and career development activities.

We welcome participation from:  

• Researchers and analysts  

• Early Career Researchers  

• Data scientists and methodologists  

• Study teams and cohort managers  

• Technical specialists and data managers  

• Professional services staff  

• Communications and engagement professionals  

• Public contributors and study participants  

• Policymakers and practitioners  

• Funders and research infrastructure organisations  

• National and international collaborators  

Whether your work focuses on biomedical, social or economic research, the conference will offer opportunities to engage with colleagues from across disciplines and sectors. 

Abstract submission 

We will shortly be inviting submissions for the conference programme based on the scientific themes.

Further information, including submission guidance and key dates, will be announced soon. 

Registration details 

The conference is free to attend on both days, but attendees must register. Registration will close on 17 April 2027. Registration may close earlier if capacity is reached.

Travel and accommodation 

The conference will be held at Mary Ward House, 5 - 7 Tavistock Place, London, WC1H 9SN, United Kingdom. 

How to find the Mary Ward House: 

• 12 minutes’ walk from Euston Station 

• 10 minutes’ walk from St Pancras International and Eurostar terminals 

• 14 minutes’ walk from King’s Cross Station 

• 5 minutes’ walk from Russell Square Underground Station 

• 12 minutes’ walk from Euston Square Underground Station 

• Several bus routes serve Tavistock Square, close to the venue 

Plan your journey via the Transport for London website.

Venue accessibility 

Please visit the venue website for more information about accessibility throughout the venue. If you have any accessibility requirements that are not covered on the venue website, or if there is anything we can do to support your participation, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Accommodation  

If you are seeking accommodation, there are many hotels in the area including: 

• Tavistock Hotel, Tavistock Square, around 0.1 miles from Tavistock Square 

• Royal National Hotel, Bedford Way, around 200 yards from Tavistock Square 

• Four Points Flex by Sheraton London Euston, Upper Woburn Place, around 200 yards from Tavistock Square 

Further information 

If you have any questions or require further information about this conference and/or the impact showcase awards, please contact April Keogh at april.keogh@bristol.ac.uk 

Please note that when you enter your details to register for the conference, you can check out as a guest and do not need to create an account.