Biomedical research

Understanding Society is intended to be at the frontiers of research on social, demographic, behavioural and health sciences. It intends collection of biomarker information by minimally invasive methods that can be carried out by survey interviewers with the appropriate training. Biomarkers are related to people's health such as height, weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This might also include the analysis of blood and saliva samples which can provide indicators of problems such as heart disease and diabetes.

Funding for collecting an integrated package of biomarkers and key related indicators is currently being sought and the consultation process on biomedical information Understanding Society should collect is ongoing.