Ulster University is set to play a central role in a new UK-wide scientific study that will follow the lives of 30,000 babies and their families – helping to shape health, education and social care policy for years to come.
The Generation New Era (GNE) study, funded by the UKRI Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), is the first new UK-wide longitudinal birth cohort study in 25 years. Led by University College London, the project has three Co-Lead academic institutions: Ulster University, Swansea University, and the University of Edinburgh
Speaking on Ulster University’s involvement in the study, Dr Orla McBride, GNE Study Lead for Northern Ireland, said:
“I am genuinely thrilled to be involved in Generation New Era and to have played a key role in securing Northern Ireland’s involvement in this new, ground-breaking scientific study.
“The UK has a world-leading reputation for conducting birth cohort studies like GNE. These studies are the gold standard for collecting high-quality data about how young babies and their families grow and develop over time.”
Almost one in every two babies born in Northern Ireland in 2026 will be invited to take part, providing a unique opportunity to capture the experiences of families across the region.
“The study’s scale in Northern Ireland will allow researchers to investigate issues unique to this region while also contributing to UK-wide findings. Crucially, the participation rate means the study will capture the voices and experiences of a diverse range of families – providing a broad and accurate picture of life for children growing up here.”
Northern Ireland last participated in a birth cohort study in 2001–02 with the Millennium Cohort Study. Babies who took part then are now in their mid-20s and continue to contribute. But as Dr McBride explained, the experience of childhood and family life has changed dramatically over the last quarter century.
“The 2020–2030 Children & Young People’s Strategy highlighted government’s commitment to supporting the rights and wellbeing of children and young people in Northern Ireland. To best achieve this, our policymakers need current and relevant data about what childhood and family life looks like today. GNE will provide exactly that.”
Speaking on the study, Professor Liam Maguire, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, Ulster University, said:
“Ulster University is delighted to be a partner in the first UK-wide, representative, longitudinal study of child development commissioned in 25 years, Generation New Era. This study provides an amazing opportunity for people in Northern Ireland to understand the development of our children and the multiple factors that influence them. The scale and scope of Generation New Era has the potential, through our researchers working in partnership with families, to be a tremendous asset to inform policy and practice- aiming to improve long-term outcomes for all.”
The announcement has been warmly welcomed by local stakeholders including the NI Department of Health, who have supported the project since its earliest planning stages in 2021.
Professor Ian Young, Chief Scientific Advisor and Director of Research for Health and Social Care said:
“This study offers a unique opportunity to learn from the lives and experience of babies born in Northern Ireland, from birth through childhood to adult life, and will provide vital information which will help us to develop evidence-based policies in the future. We strongly welcome the leadership role of Ulster University researchers and the future involvement of all of those who agree to take part.”
Looking ahead, Dr McBride emphasised the importance of family participation.
“GNE really is the opportunity of a generation. Each child born in Northern Ireland is special and unique, and we hope as many families as possible who are invited in 2026 will decide to get involved. By sharing their stories and experiences, families can help ensure this study makes a lasting contribution to supporting parents and children across Northern Ireland for years to come.
“A special word of gratitude is owed to the late Professor Dermot O’Reilly, Queen’s University Belfast, who played an important role in the earliest stages of this study.”
