UK families expecting a new baby in the upcoming year may have the opportunity to enroll their infants in a groundbreaking research initiative that aims to track the development and life trajectories of up to 30,000 babies. This study, named Generation New Era, represents the first large-scale, long-term research project of its kind in a quarter of a century.
The primary goal of Generation New Era is to gain comprehensive insights into the physical, mental, and social development of the next generation. Researchers will closely monitor various aspects of the children’s lives, including environmental influences, societal changes, parental employment status, children’s health and well-being, language proficiency, and school readiness.
Parents will be requested to provide vital information at two critical stages in their child’s life: between nine and 11 months old and again between three and four years old. The intention is to follow these children throughout their lives as part of the study.
Furthermore, the study aims to explore potential genetic links to diseases by collecting saliva samples from both parents and babies for genetic analysis. To ensure a diverse representation, the study is keen on involving fathers and underrepresented parenting groups.
Families in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland with babies expected in the forthcoming year may receive invitations to participate in this research endeavor. Detailed information will be communicated via letters expected to be sent out next autumn.
This research initiative, funded by the UKRI Infrastructure Fund and the UKRI Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), marks a significant milestone as the first large-scale, nationwide longitudinal study in the UK in 25 years. Scientists emphasize the substantial societal changes that have occurred since the last study conducted in 2000.
Co-director of the study, Professor Alissa Goodman, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to enhance children’s lives and contribute to advancements in science and society for years to come. Another co-director, Professor Pasco Fearon from the University of Cambridge, emphasized the study’s value as a lasting resource for both UK and global scientific communities. He underscored the study’s broad scope, particularly in utilizing genetic data to understand health conditions and addressing contemporary issues such as digital media’s impact and mental health challenges in children and youth.