Understanding Society User Support

Dear Understanding Society team,

I am currently thinking about a research project that would use the Understanding Society biomarker data to analyse long-term change in physiological indicators.

I understand that biomarker data were collected through nurse health assessments in Waves 2–3 (2010–2012), and that biological samples and biomeasures are being collected again in Wave 16. My planned analysis would examine change in biomarkers over time by linking the Wave 16 measures to the earlier Waves 2–3 biomarker data.

To assess whether this is feasible, I was wondering if you might be able to shed light on the following:

- Which specific biomarkers from the Waves 2–3 biomarker panel are expected to be available in the Wave 16 data release?

- Will the Wave 16 biomarkers be measured using assays designed to produce values that are comparable with the earlier nurse-collected biomarker data?

- If an analysis of change is possible using the wave 16 data, are there any methodological notes (e.g., changes in collection method, assay calibration, or validation work) that researchers should be aware of when analysing biomarker change between Waves 2–3 and Wave 16?

Any and all information would be really helpful in determining whether a project undertaking longitudinal analyses of biomarker change across these waves is possible.

Many thanks for your help, and apologies in advance if the support forum is not the appropriate place to pose this question. If it is better directed elsewhere, please do just let me know where I should enquire further.

Best wishes,

James Laurence