Ageing in New Zealand 
Workplace stress and poor mental health. 
Who is the National Centre for Lifecourse Research?
We are a New Zealand research centre based at the University of Otago in Dunedin, but with partners located at universities across New Zealand and around the world.
What is Lifecourse Research?
Lifecourse research means studying people, from birth through to old age - in other words, right the way through their lifecourse.
There are different methods of practicing lifecourse research. One of the most common methods is a longitudinal study, where a group of people are selected and studied through time. Longitudinal study groups at the National Centre for Lifecourse Research include the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, the Christchurch Health and Development Study, and the Pacific Islands Families Study. All of these have taken groups of people from birth (called a birth cohort) and tracked them every couple of years through their lives.
Those studies, plus other kinds of lifecourse research, have one thing in common: they aim to study people, and explore how and why people turn out the way they do. Research groups at the National Centre for Lifecourse Research look at physical health, development, relationships, families, migration and movement, and mental health.
Why is Lifecourse Research important?
Because all our research is about people and what makes them tick, it has direct implications for policy and practice. This includes social welfare, health, education, labour and employment, and justice, and we hope that policymakers and practitioners alike will be able to use the resources here.
New Zealanders are also interested in their own health, social issues and relationships, which is why we are aiming to make resources on this website useful for the general public.
Our Mission and Aims
We conduct and apply high-quality research that informs policy and practice to improve the lives of New Zealanders.
This is accomplished through three main aims:
- to establish and maintain a translational research capacity that will produce a range of resources tailored to meet the needs of different stakeholders;
- to conduct new research which enhances New Zealand’s position as an international leader in lifecourse research, by establishing partnerships and maximising opportunities for collaboration;
- to build capability in lifecourse research through the training of the next generation of scientists and engaging the public by bringing science to life in innovative ways.
Our Research Interests
Translational Research. We have identified a need for quality research about people to be translated into useful resources for policymakers.
Policymakers don't always have the time to read technical jargon or complex methodology. We provide accessible, appropriate and timely high-quality information about relevant issues.
Science Communication. We believe that all New Zealanders are interested in people, health, science and social issues.
We tap into that interest by creating resources and information that engage, interest and excite.
New Lifecourse Research. New research will focus on topical issues relevant to all New Zealanders, including ageing and keeping minds active, outcomes of education, and migration and movement of New Zealanders around the world.
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