Jean Golding

Jean Golding

Born	September 22, 1939
Birth place	London, England
Nationality	British
Known for	Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)
Awards	OBE

Jean Golding (born September 22, 1939) is a renowned British epidemiologist and statistician, best known for her pioneering work in the field of longitudinal studies and her role in establishing the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), also known as the "Children of the 90s" study. Her research has significantly contributed to the understanding of how genetic and environmental factors affect health and development.

Early Life and Education

Jean Golding was born in London, England. She attended the University of Oxford, where she studied mathematics and statistics. Her academic background laid the foundation for her future work in epidemiology and public health.

Career

Golding began her career in the field of epidemiology at a time when the discipline was gaining prominence. She worked at various institutions, including the University of Bristol, where she became a professor. Her work focused on the application of statistical methods to public health issues, particularly in the context of longitudinal studies.

Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)

In 1991, Jean Golding founded the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a groundbreaking study that aimed to track the health and development of children born in the Avon area of England during the early 1990s. The study recruited over 14,000 pregnant women and has followed their children ever since, collecting a wealth of data on various health and developmental outcomes.

The ALSPAC study has provided invaluable insights into the effects of prenatal and postnatal factors on child development, including the impact of nutrition, environmental exposures, and genetic predispositions. It has become a model for similar studies worldwide and has led to numerous publications and policy changes.

Contributions to Public Health

Jean Golding's work has had a profound impact on public health policy and practice. Her research has informed guidelines on maternal health, child development, and environmental health. She has been a vocal advocate for the use of longitudinal data in shaping health policies and improving health outcomes.

Awards and Honors

In recognition of her contributions to science and public health, Jean Golding was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE). She has also received numerous other accolades from academic and professional organizations.

Personal Life

Jean Golding is known for her dedication to her work and her passion for improving public health. She continues to be involved in research and advocacy, inspiring future generations of scientists and public health professionals.

Also see

• Epidemiology
• Longitudinal study
• Public health
• University of Bristol
• Order of the British Empire