NIHRDataInsights/HRCSData huggingface dataset:
Title: Epigenetics: Environment, Embodiment and Equality (E4)
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: It is widely accepted that early life influences shape our development and health and behavioural outcomes across the life course. Epigenetic mechanisms are increasingly implicated in these complex interactions and provide a key to understanding (i) what aspects of our environment impact upon gene regulation, (ii) how our environment and way of living become embodied in human biology, over what timeframe and with what degree of persistence and (iii) how social and biological inequality may influence development and health. This project builds upon a substantial foundation of epigenetic research in richly characterised longitudinal cohort studies to explore these concepts of environment, embodiment and inequality. We will utilise the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, which currently has the most extensive collection of longitudinal epigenetic data of any birth cohort study in the world, as a platform to address these concepts and through collaboration with seven other cohorts we will extend our investigations across the entire lifecourse to understand how different social and environmental experiences in early life operate to influence epigenetic signatures and downstream outcomes. We will extend these analyses by implementing causal analysis methods, including novel applications of Mendelian randomization, to strengthen causal inference in the associations we observe. Further, we will apply social constructs/theories to elaborate these interpretations. Analysis of the role of epigenetic processes in linking the environment with development and health across the lifecourse requires the capacity to generate, analyse and interpret complex data. The high dimensional, dynamic characteristics of epigenetic data require advanced competencies in bioinformatics and statistical methods. We have invested considerable effort in generating epigenetic data, developing and refining informatics and statistical skills over recent years and through this project propose to apply them to the questions outlined above. The proposed work will extend current research activities, drawing together skills of social and biological scientists to apply recently developed methodologies to unresolved issues at the interface of epigenetics and social science. A major component of project activities will be the promotion of inter-disciplinary collaboration, training opportunities and widespread dissemination of both methods and scientific outputs. We will draw upon the expertise of our co-investigator team in bioinformatics, computational science, econometrics, education, epigenetics, lifecourse epidemiology, psychology, quantitative genetics, social science and statistics to execute the proposed project.


Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS;2.3 PSYCHOLOGICAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC FACTORS
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: EpiStressNet: A biosocial systems approach to understanding the epigenetic embedding of social stress responses.
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: The social environments in which we live provide daily challenges that affect how we think and feel, influencing our behaviour and sense of well-being. However, it is far from clear exactly how these experiences affect us at a physical level. Recent research in biology has discovered molecules that are found in all of our cells, which interpret our experiences by switching genes on or off in particular cell types. These molecules, or "epigenetic" mechanisms, bind to DNA and control gene activity, which in turn change the functions of our cells, tissues and organs, and so affect what we think, feel and do. We are beginning to understand that these epigenetic mechanisms are modified by factors that also affect our health, and recent evidence indicates that social stress is one such factor. Societies in which there is a bigger gap between rich and poor, such as the UK, also have bigger, more stressful social and health inequalities. Good evidence suggests that the social stress caused by social inequality leads to ill-health and that this link may involve epigenetic mechanisms. This project aims to build a network of biological and social scientists to explore how social stress causes epigenetic changes which affect biology and behaviour. To address this problem, we will establish a team with wide-ranging expertise in investigating (a) the physical effects of stress on gene activity in the brain and the body, (b) the impacts of social inequality on health, and (c) how we think about the way our experiences get under our skin to shape behaviour and well-being. This team of social science, public health and biology researchers, will develop and carry out novel shared projects. We will hold discussion meetings to consider new biological and sociological ideas together, and share new discoveries that will help to explain how social stresses exert their effects on the brain and the rest of the body, and the roles of epigenetics in these processes. We will also meet with industrial, government and health service professionals, to consider the potential impacts of our research for their work, and engage with the general public more broadly to discuss the wider implications of this research for society.


Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS;2.3 PSYCHOLOGICAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC FACTORS
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Adapting the health and welfare system to a context of rapid change.
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: The proposal is to establish a partnership between the Institute of Sociology of the Chinese Academy of Social Science and the Institute of Development Studies to explore the changing relationships between government and providers of health and welfare services in China and in other countries experiencing rapid and interconnected economic, social and demographic change. The project will support visits of British researchers to Chinese cities that are experimenting with health and welfare system reforms and participate in workshops with Chinese researchers and policy-makers to discuss lessons emerging from the Chinese experience and from the experiences of other countries. It will also support visits of Chinese researchers to the UK to collaborate with British researchers, learn lessons from the experiences of the British health and welfare system and develop collaborative links with researchers from other rapidly developing middle-income countries. It will also support the participation of Chinese researchers in meetings with policy analysts from other countries experiencing rapid economic, social and demographic change. The main outputs will be publications in academic journals, policy briefs for decision-makers and the development of a programme of research and mutual learning on adapting health and welfare services to contexts of rapid change. The outputs of this project and the subsequent research programme will enable policy makers and policy analysts in low and middle-income countries to draw on lessons from the experiences of China and other rapidly developing countries as they address similar challenges in their health and welfare sectors.


Research activity codes: 8.1 ORGANISATION AND DELIVERY OF SERVICES
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: SOCGEN: Combining Social Science and Molecular Genetic Research to Examine Inequality and the Life Course
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: Although there has been an explosion in the amount of the data in the UK that contains information that has both social science indicators (e.g., education, social status) and molecular genetic data (data with genetic markers), it has yet to be exploited by social scientists. Knowledge from social scientists about how to properly use this data to answer social science research questions and statistical tools to accommodate social science problems remains underdeveloped. Yet this new data will allow social scientists to examine fundamentally new research questions and has the potential for substantive breakthroughs. For the first time in history social scientists can uncover whether there is a genetic and biological component to many of the behaviours that have until now only largely been attributed to social factors. Increasing studies demonstrate that there is a genetic component to core social science topics such as educational level and wellbeing. There are, however, many pitfalls to conducting this type of research including lack of accessible learning and teaching material aimed at social scientists and appropriate statistical models or robustness checks of existing models. A primary objective of this project is to bring together substantive social science researchers in the field of inequality and the life course with expertise in statistics, biodemography, and quantitative molecular genetics to develop innovative learning resources, statistical models and packages to address the specific shortcomings in this substantive area of research. Developing accessible teaching resources and tailored statistical models and packages will allow UK social scientists to become trendsetting pioneers in answering new biosocial research questions. This will allow us to convey how insights from molecular genetic data and research can be integrated into life course (and social science) research.


Research activity codes: 2.5 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGIES (AETIOLOGY)
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Two-Way SBE-RCUK/ESRC Lead Agency Agreement: Relationship Strategies to Bolster Interpersonal Security Over Time
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: People differ in how willing and able they are to forge bonds in which they feel secure with others. People who achieve greater attachment security have better relationship outcomes, are more confident in pursuing personal goals and better able to handle challenges, and exhibit greater well-being in general. Although attachment insecurity is often a chronic condition, it can and does change with new experiences. This project capitalises on interactions in romantic relationships, which evoke experiences that have powerful effects in regulating a sense of security. This research introduces relationship strategies that couples can adopt, including communication strategies that strengthen trust or confidence and perception exercises that aid in positive reinterpretations of interactions. Many couples desire to improve their relationship and acknowledge that, ideally, they would like to help each other thrive. However, they struggle to modify established interpersonal dynamics that may keep them stuck in a state of interpersonal anxiety (fear of losing a partner's acceptance and support) and/or interpersonal avoidance (discomfort with relying on others or intimacy). The relationship strategies examined in this research target each type of insecurity and are designed to be incorporated in typical couple interactions and daily events. These strategies may also be adopted in non-romantic settings by individuals who have endured negative interpersonal experiences. The primary goal of this project is to identify strategies that affect couple communication and perceptions to achieve two aims: reduce insecure relational dynamics and enhance attachment security over time. In a series of randomized experiments, couples are assigned to strategies to target anxious tendencies or avoidant tendencies. The first aim is to examine communication strategies aimed at mitigating anxiety versus avoidance, each tested against a control condition. Such communication may reduce immediate relational tension but may not be sufficient to cause enduring changes in attachment security. The second aim, therefore, involves examining interactions and perceptions that can increase confidence among anxious individuals and increase trust among avoidant individuals. The effect of these security-enhancing strategies, combined with communication that mitigates insecurity, will be examined over an extended time. These relatively minor adjustments in couple interactions are expected to ripple into more profound changes in general attachment security, which benefits relationships and promotes meaningful activities that are fundamental to societal well-being.


Research activity codes: 2.1 BIOLOGICAL AND ENDOGENOUS FACTORS
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Tackling health inequalities and extending working lives (THRIVE)
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: The policy issue: In Europe and Canada, policymakers are facing particular challenges related to rising life expectancy, a shift in the age profile of the population and the consequent increase in the prevalence of chronic illness and disability. But these increases in life expectancy are not experienced equally - there are inequalities that are frequently overlooked in policy-making. Less skilled workers, for example, have a shorter life expectancy, earlier onset of chronic illness and disability, are more likely to suffer from multiple health conditions as they get older. Policymakers in Europe and Canada urgently need to develop strategies that fairly extend working life taking these health inequalities into account. Our aim is therefore to conduct international research that advances understanding of the differential impacts of health inequalities on the opportunity to work later in life and of strategies and policies for extending working life that take these health inequalities into consideration. Our consortium: The THRIVE project will bring together partners from the UK, Canada, Sweden and Denmark - countries which are all struggling with similar policy problems, but have been experimenting with a variety of strategies to tackle these problems. The THRIVE members are all leaders in health inequalities and employment research and have successfully collaborated with one another over a number of years. Our research approach: We will analyse population datasets in each country to determine how the pattern of morbidity and co-morbidity with different physical and mental health conditions and caring responsibilities varies over working life by socioeconomic status and gender in different countries and how this is changing over time. We will estimate how the employment consequences of different longstanding illnesses at older ages vary between countries, the reasons for this and the implications for policies that extend working lives. By comparing and analysing policies in the study countries we will elucidate the different policy approaches taken and identify effective strategies. A series of systematic reviews of the quantitative and qualitative evidence will identify which policy approaches are likely to be most effective for extending the working lives of people with longstanding illness, particularly those from more disadvantaged groups. Synthesis of evidence from the reviews and analysis of national datasets will indicate how health inequalities are having an impact on the opportunity to work later in life in each country, how this is likely to develop in the future, and the strategies and policies that are most likely to extend healthy working lives fairly.


Research activity codes: 8.3 POLICY, ETHICS AND RESEARCH GOVERNANCE
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: EXTEND: Social inequalities in extending working lives of an ageing workforce
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: Europe is currently undergoing significant demographic change, with an ageing population, shrinking workforce, and increasing life expectancy. In this context, it is necessary to raise the activity rate of older workers in a way that is healthy and productive for workers, employers and countries as a whole. A major issue in extending working lives is that those in different circumstances will be affected differentially by any proposed changes. EXTEND is a cross-national collaborative project which therefore aims to examine inequalities in relation to extending working lives. It addresses inequalities in relation to a number of pertinent issues, including changes to retirement and pension policies, the health and well-being of older workers and retirees, workplace factors, employee skills and training, and regulative and legislative frameworks. The project will take the social services sector as a particularly important example due to the barriers faced by health and care professionals. The evidence base will be generated by drawing on the varied expertise of its partners across five EU countries, employing a range of quantitative and qualitative methods, including policy analysis, panel data methods, natural experiments, a field trial, case studies, interviews and focus groups. We will engage numerous stakeholders with our findings, including policy makers, the business community, workers and their representatives, older people, the general public, and practitioners in the social services sector. The EXTEND project is strongly solution-driven, and has the overall aim of reducing inequalities in retirement structures.


Research activity codes: 8.1 ORGANISATION AND DELIVERY OF SERVICES;8.3 POLICY, ETHICS AND RESEARCH GOVERNANCE
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Impact of interventions and policies on prolonging working life in good health: an international study
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: European governments have developed policies to keep workers stay in employment until older age, yet many workers leave work earlier than expected due to illness, disability or poor health. Despite the societal implications of this phenomenon, we know little about the health interventions and policies that could encourage workers to stay longer in work, as well as the economic costs of these interventions. This project aims to identify the policies and interventions that can help workers maintain employment by either diminishing the negative consequences of health problems or by improving the overall health of workers. In turn, the project also examines the impact of employment and retirement policies on maintaining good health. The project focuses on workplace interventions, health promotion programmes, and legislation and policies that support workers with health problems to remain in paid employment; and policies to prevent the development or aggravation of health problems. The project also studies the cost-effectiveness of interventions and policies for prolonging working lives in different social groups. The project will provide key evidence on the consequences of national policies on prolonging working careers and on the health of the workforce. It will also demonstrate the potential benefits of workplace and health interventions on the length of employment and worker's health.


Research activity codes: 8.3 POLICY, ETHICS AND RESEARCH GOVERNANCE
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: FACTAGE: Fairer Active Ageing for Europe
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: The research explores risks of inequality in later life and in employment of older workers using diverse perspectives, engaging the disciplines of sociology, social policy, economics, statistics and epidemiology. The work is divided into four substantive Work Packages (WPs). The first Work Package is concerned with how longer working lives are associated with the changing labour markets that older workers face, and with older populations' general well-being. The second investigates the need for working longer in the nexus of the workplace, highlighting the role of work-life balance, and potential inequalities in skills and working conditions, and inter-generational exchanges. The third Work Package explores fundamental inequalities in (healthy) life expectancy. In the final Work Package the findings from the other three Work Packages are brought together in order to propose policy scenarios which have the potential both to facilitate longer working lives and to positively contribute to intra- and inter-generational equity. Specific policy recommendations will be made based on varying evidence from different contexts of EU Member States.


Research activity codes: 1.2 PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC PROCESSES;8.3 POLICY, ETHICS AND RESEARCH GOVERNANCE
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE
Title: Transport and Mobilities: Meeting the Needs of Vulnerable Population in Developing Cities
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: The proposed network offers a novel and ambitious rethinking of global transport challenges of developing cities from the perspectives of vulnerable citizens, whose needs at the street-level are often overlooked. The primary aim of this 'Transport and Mobilities Network' is to build capacity for interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaborations between academics, policymakers, project funders and practitioners in the design and delivery of socially inclusive transport systems in four cities in the Global South: Cape Coast, Ghana; Dhaka, Bangladesh, Lagos, Nigeria and Kampala, Uganda. In particular, the network will draw academic and policy attention to the crucial role of transport can play in helping to address better personal mobility, reducing inequalities and create economic growth. and personal mobility The focus of the network is therefore on in developing cities in particular the severe plight of the challenges facing the most highly vulnerable members of the city communities, the urban poor, and especially women, young, elderly and disabled people. Until now, social policy has tended to overlook the severe problems that are associated with the transport system in the rapidly expanding cities of Low Developed Countries (LDCs) and Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs). As such, the severe and increasing threat to livelihoods of the inaccessibility of vulnerable populations to markets, employment and other goods and services remains largely unaddressed within their urban and social development policies. Equally, the need to protect citizens from negative health effects of life-threatening levels of exposure to traffic-related pollutions, increased deaths and casualties from road traffic accidents and whole communities from severance by major new transport projects remains largely absent from transport or health planning. Network activities, including workshops and forums, This networking programme will serve to bring together highly recognised academics who have been working on this topic for many years within the UK with their academic counterparts and key policy stakeholder in the four aforementioned cities. The partners will work collectively to draw together the evidence on the transport and mobility needs of vulnerable populations groups in these countries and to coproduce the methodologies and policy tools that are needed to address their needs in the specific geographical contexts of each case study. The main contribution of the network activities aim will be to draw lessons from countries in the Global North and South that are already promoting policies to address the transport needs and concerns of low income and vulnerable populations, and to explore their applicability and adaptability for countries with less advanced transport and social policy trajectories.


Research activity codes: 3.2 INTERVENTIONS TO ALTER PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
Health categories: GENERIC HEALTH RELEVANCE