Semi-structured interview data from current and former Young Lives staff who were invited to share their knowledge and experience as a contribution to the collective Young Lives methodological learning and lessons. The objective of this work was to help build a community of practice around policy-focused longitudinal observational research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim was to strengthen capacity and effectiveness in the conduct of such research among GCRF delivery partners, and other researchers running large-scale international development studies in LMICs through an innovative programme of methodological and operational reflection and learning amplified through an integrated communications strategy.The objective of the proposed work is to help build a community of practice around policy-focused longitudinal observational research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim is to strengthen capacity and effectiveness in the conduct of such research among GCRF delivery partners, and other researchers running large-scale international development studies in LMICs through an innovative programme of methodological and operational reflection and learning amplified through an integrated communications strategy. The programme will draw primarily on the experience and expertise of staff and former staff of the Young Lives study but will also benefit from the knowledge of Young Lives collaborators, advisory committee members and other researchers and research managers. The work will focus on two critical areas: research design and research governance and impact. Two further themes are proposed for a second year: data management and ethics. It will explore the opportunities, challenges and lessons learned from Young Lives research over more than 15 years, highlighting the justification for key decisions, as well as the mistakes made and solutions devised along the way. It will complement existing Young Lives methodological outputs and be driven by questions, themes and topics that are critical for effective delivery of international development research in LMICs.

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