Getting Started: ‘Preparing the ground’ and ‘planting the vines’ for longitudinal research

This paper provides a brief overview of some of the practical issues to consider when establishing a longitudinal study. The discussion draws on the experiences of some of the initial investigators of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health and sets the scene for the subsequent papers in this series. The investigators reflect on the processes of establishing the research team, conceptualizing and planning the research, and gaining and maintaining the funding for the study. Their discussion considers the many disciplinary perspectives that have been integrated into the study, and how these came together. They also highlight some fundamental principles and decisions that must underpin longitudinal studies from the outset.