A fascinating conference was hosted by a new collaborative group, CLOSER. The Cohorts and Longitudinal Studies Enhancement Resources (CLOSER) is a consortium of the UK’s leading birth cohort and longitudinal studies. It aims to maximise the use, value and impact of these studies both within the UK and abroad.

As well as looking at elements from longitudinal studies and alcohol relevant to alcohol consumption in young people, presentations were made as to how evidence and research should feed into policy making.

Neil Dube from The Department for Education explained the process clearly, taking minimum pricing as an example.

Dr Ann Hoskins, Public Health England, only five weeks into the new structure of Public Health England spoke on Alcohol, children and young people: Opportunities in the new public health system in England. She explained the new bodies, organisation, areas of priority and opportunities for research into the mix at local, regional and national level.