The latest Annual Report gives a summary of key data on the use of the Study, alongside a selection of research and impact from the year.
2024 was another busy year for Understanding Society, with the release of Wave 14 data (which included a boost sample of an additional 5,500 households), a new calendar year dataset for 2022, and new editions of pregnancy and early childhood data and partnership histories. During this year Waves 16 and 17 of the main survey were in the field, with Wave 16 collecting additional health information and blood samples.
The last year also saw a full programme of training and events, helping more researchers from many different disciplines to use the Study. The publications using data from Understanding Society also continued to grow – since the inception of the Study in 2009, we have now identified 4,581 publications that use Understanding Society data.
Read the 2024 Annual Report
Evidence from the Study was used for analysis and the evaluation of specific policies, as well as providing data for official statistics. In the last year Understanding Society was used to explore a wide range of policy areas, including attitudes towards retirement, digital inclusion, tackling homelessness, persistent poverty, and social cohesion. We’ve frequently appeared in the media, including stories on over-60s who live apart, how the Windrush scandal caused mental distress, and whether working from home is worsening class and health divides.
At a time when facts and their validity are often called into question, it is essential that credible and robust evidence is available on people’s circumstances. Understanding Society provides uniquely rich data on the UK population and is a vital resource for anyone who wants to understand the experiences of households across the country.”
Mark Franks, Chair of the Understanding Society Strategic Oversight Board
Biomarkers, genetics and epigeneticsEducationEmploymentEthnicity and immigrationFamily and householdsFindings and impactHealth and wellbeingHousingIncome and expenditureInforming PolicyMoney and financesPolitics and social attitudesSurvey methodologyTransport and environmentYoung people
