Initiatives in cohort studies

You are kindly invited to an international workshop on cohort studies, where we bring together Belgian stakeholders (researchers, administrators and policymakers) and international experts to exchange experiences, know-how, ideas and expertise on the set-up and maintenance of population-based cohorts.

This workshop is part of a study on the feasibility of a population-based cohort in Belgium. In population-based cohort-studies, a large sample of individuals is selected which is representative of the targeted population. These individuals are followed for a defined period in which a variety of variables can be measured. To address the challenges of understanding the determinants of common life-threatening and disabling conditions as well as the determinants of a heathy lifestyle and healthy ageing, large national population-based studies have been set up in several countries. In line with these developments, it is felt that there is also in Belgium a need for a cohort as research infrastructure.

Program:

09:00 – 09:30 Coffee/tea/registration

09:30 – 09:40 Welcome slides

09:40 – 13:00 Cohort studies and research infrastructures in neighboring countries:

09:40 – 10:20 Lifelines (NL) slides

10:20 – 11:00 Swiss National Cohort (CH)  slides

10:00 – 11:30 Break

11:30 – 12:10 Statistics Norway (NO) slides

12:10 – 12:50 German National Cohort (DE)

13:00 – 14:00 Lunch

14:00 – 15:30 Panel discussion Belgian stakeholders: The afternoon sessions and panel discussion will give you insight in the knowledge gaps in and the opportunities for public health research in Belgium.

15:30 – 15:45 Wrap up

15:45 – 17:30 Reception: Don’t miss this unique opportunity to meet the participants and discuss the final conclusions of the workshop.