Welcome to the NILS-RSU website which provides information and advice for potential and existing academic and government users of the Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study (NILS) and Northern Ireland Mortality Study (NIMS) databases. The function of the unit is to provide assistance to researchers in accessing and utilising both studies.

The NILS is a large-scale record linkage study of approximately 500,000 people (a representative c. 28% sample of the Northern Ireland population) that has been created by linking statistical and administrative data sources within Northern Ireland. These data include the 2001 Census returns, demographic and migration events and vital events (births, deaths and marriages).

The NIMS is an additional major record linkage study that links the 2001 Census returns for the whole of the enumerated population (approximately 1.6 million individuals) to subsequently registered mortality data. The NIMS is recommended for researchers or analysts whose primary interest is in mortality-related research as it allows focus on more detailed analyses the causes of death of specific sub-populations.  

The NILS and the NIMS have been available since 2006 and are innovative research resources which allow for the exploration of health and socio-demographic characteristics and, as such, can be used to provide an insight into the status of the Northern Ireland population.The NILS is funded by the Health and Social Care Research and Development Division of the Public Health Agency (HSC R&D Division) and NISRA. The NILS-RSU is funded by ESRC Census Programme and the Northern Ireland Government. 

For detailed information on the NILS / NIMS data please see the 'NILS Cohort Profile' and 'Introduction to the NILS'.

Recent projects approved by the Research Approvals Group:

Project 073: Examining the area effects and health on variation in reproductive behaviour. Further details

Project 072: The Dynamics of Cultural Integration - a longitudinal case study on the fertility and demand for maternity services of the two Communities in Northern Ireland using the NILS. Further details

Project 071: Population characteristics of stigma and chronic health conditions. Further details

Project 070: Does religious exogamy (mixed marriage) increase the risk of marital dissolution in Northern Ireland? Further details

Project 069: Social and economic transitions and their effect on young people's health and social wellbeing. Further details

Project 068: Mismatches and matches in address information from the Census and the BSO: A longitudinal perspective 2001-2011. Further details

Project 067: Health, housing tenure, and entrapment 2001-2011: Does changing tenure and address improve health? Further details

Project 066: Fertility in Northern Ireland 2001-2011: The influence of Education and Migration. Further details

Project 065: Is the risk of teenage pregnancy influenced by area of residence? Further details

Project 064:  Who you are or where you live? Examining the impact of individual and area level effects on reproductive decision -making, health and risky causes of deaths in Northern Ireland. Part Two: Mortality. Further details

Project 063: Who you are or where you live? Examining the impact of individual and area level effects on reproductive decision -making, health and risky causes of deaths in Northern Ireland. part One: Fertility and reproductive behaviour. Further details

Project 062:  Deprived areas and disadvantaged people: Social Investment Fund areas and migration 2001-2010. Further details

Project 061:  The Grief study: sociodemographic determinants of poor outcomes following death of a family member. Further details