University of Leeds ‘Growing Well Study’ to launch pop-up research hub at Merrion Centre
Families invited to participate in child health research in central Leeds
The Merrion Centre continues to diversify its city centre offering with the arrival of a new research-led pop-up from the University of Leeds this April.
Located in an upper-balcony level retail unit, the temporary ‘Growing Well Study’ hub will open on 8th April and provide a welcoming and accessible space for families to take part in research exploring children’s health, growth and nutrition.
Led by the University’s School of Food Science & Nutrition, the Growing Well Study is currently looking for families with children aged 6 months to 4 years to take part. The research aims to better understand how early-life experiences influence long-term health and wellbeing.
Families can sign up and book their visit online. Participation involves completing a short online survey, recording three online food diaries, and attending a visit at a local research hub where simple measurements will be taken. Families who take part will receive gift vouchers worth up to £50 as a thank you for their time.
The pop-up research hub at the Merrion Centre will provide a convenient central location for families to attend their appointments and learn more about the study.
The Leeds pop-up forms part of a wider research programme operating across Leeds, Doncaster and East London. Sessions will be delivered by biomedical fieldwork staff employed by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), supported by researchers from local teams and the University of Leeds.
A spokesperson for the Growing Well Study at the University of Leeds said:
“We’re really excited to bring the Growing Well Study to the Merrion Centre and welcome families from across Leeds. This research is all about understanding how children grow and develop, and the insights we gain will help shape better health for future generations. By taking part, families can help us build a clearer picture of children’s nutrition and growth while contributing to research that could benefit future generations.”
The team is also exploring plans for a family-focused engagement event to help introduce the study to the local community and encourage participation.
Lynsey Clarke, Asset Manager at Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), owner of the Merrion Centre, said:
“We’re pleased to welcome the University of Leeds’ Growing Well Study pop-up to the Merrion Centre. As a destination at the heart of the city, it’s important to us that the centre offers a diverse mix of uses that benefit the wider community. This initiative will create a welcoming space for families while supporting important research, and we’re proud to play a small part in helping facilitate that.”
Families interested in learning more about the project or signing up can visit:
https://growingwell.leeds.ac.uk/
Follow the Growing Well Study on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582012360231&locale=en_GB
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growingwellstudy/
#growingwellstudy