The aims of MRC IEU are:

• To apply the novel causal methods developed in the MRC IEU to key research questions related to causes of bone, cardiometabolic, reproductive, mental and other aspects of ill-health. To ensure that the results from these studies are appropriately translated into clinical/public health practice and industrial partnerships
• To ensure that the novel causal methods for study design, data analysis and data collection that are developed in the unit are widely applied internationally to improve causal inference and clinical and public health practice
• To develop exemplar methods and pioneering approaches for the secure and ethical sharing of large volumes of data for efficient and effective population health research, and instigating and participating in large-scale activities that require the volume of data available to our collaborative network.

These aims will be achieved by delivering an interlinked portfolio of research, led by Professor George Davey Smith.