Projects delivered by members of, and beyond the Natsal team 

Natsal has surpassed its original purpose as a study responding to, and informing our understanding of, the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Now one of the largest and most detailed studies of sexual behaviour in the world, its 30-year history providing robust population data, is regarded as a cornerstone for understanding the contemporary picture as well as changes over time in sexual and reproductive health in Britain.

Natsal-4 (the fourth Natsal survey) aims to build on this reputation by adding to and further enhancing the Natsal Resource, which includes datasets from each round, the corresponding questionnaires, and stored biological samples (from Natsal-3 and in due course, Natsal-4), for Natsal’s wide range of stakeholders. This includes researchers from across the globe, policy-makers, educators and students, as well as the public.

Partner with us on communicating all things Natsal

We’ve worked with the media, charities, educators, curators, web developers, and creative artists to deliver exciting projects that take our work beyond the scientific community. We’re always looking for people with ideas for communicating about Natsal with the wider world, including the public, educators, healthcare workers, and policy makers. Get in touch if you’d like to use Natsal in your work or explore the possibilities of partnering with us on a collaboration.

Examples of how Natsal has been used so far include:

  • Engaging Sexual Stories – A collaboration with the Open University, Cardiff University and Brook aimed at sex and relationships teachers and the wider public
  • Sex by numbers: a book about what statistics can tell us about sexual behaviour by Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter
  • The Wellcome Collection Institute of Sexology exhibition and events
  • The Songwriting Experiment: A project that brought together young aspiring songwriters, with world-class songwriters from London’s Roundhouse, Natsal researchers, and science
  • Sex and Relationships Education – the evidence: a briefing note and event for sex and relationship educators
  • Public events and festivals including Science Museum Lates, Secret Garden Party, Pint of Science