Centre for Attention Learning and Memory (CALM) Database Version 1
Research type
Research Database
IRAS ID
280879
Contact name
Joni Holmes
Contact email
Research summary
Centre for Attention Learning and Memory (CALM)
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NE/0066
Date of REC Opinion
26 May 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion
Data collection arrangements
Approximately 1000 children attended the MRC Cognition & Brain Sciences (CBU) to complete a range of tests designed to measure their memory, attention and learning skills. Their parents / carers completed questionnaires about the children’s behaviour and mental health. The children were also invited for a brain scan, and asked to provide a saliva sample that was later used to extract genetic data. The majority of the data have already been collected. The children have been assessed once, and they are currently being invited back for a follow-up assessment 3 to 5 years after their first appointment. This database contains children’s performance on the different tasks, the ratings provided by their parents/carers about their behaviour and mental health, and some of the brain imaging data. These data are anonymised, meaning no individuals can be identified. The database is being established to make the data available to scientists and researchers outside of the CBU. These data are a valuable resource for many to use understand more about why some children find learning difficult.
Research programme
The database supports research that is trying to understand why some children struggle at school, irrespective of whether those children have a diagnoses of a developmental disorder. Scientists have collected data from 1000 children at two time points. Approximately 80% of the children were identified as struggling at school by either a health (e.g. paediatrician) or education (e.g. special needs teacher) professional. Some of these had diagnoses of developmental disorders such as ADHD or dyslexia, but many had no diagnoses despite being recognised as a struggling learner. The other 20% attended the same schools as those children who were struggling. The database will support scientists and clinical researchers around the world to identify the cognitive and neural features that predict children’s current and future successes and failures in learning. The outcomes of this research will support practitioners and families supporting children who are struggling at school, and eventually children themselves.
Research database title
Centre for Attention Learning and Memory (CALM)
Establishment organisation
Centre for Attention, Learning and Memory
Establishment organisation address
MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit
15 Chaucer Road
CAMBRIDGE
CB2 7EF