I received a text message from the COSMOS STUDY — is it genuine?

Yes. Genuine messages from the UK COSMOS Study refer to the year you joined the study, link only to http://ukcosmos.net/, and will never ask for bank details, payment, or passwords. If you are unsure, do not click the link — come to this page and use the survey button above, or email ukcosmos@imperial.ac.uk.

Why did I receive a text message when you usually email me?

We send text message invitations when we think your email invitation has not reached you.

What do I need to do?

Follow the link in your invitation, or use the Start the Survey button on this page. To log in you will need your Personal ID (it begins “C-” and can be found on any recent correspondence from us, such as a survey invitation) and your date of birth. The online questionnaire takes approximately 30–45 minutes and works on your phone, tablet, or computer.

I have deleted my invitation or lost my Personal ID. Can I still take part?

Yes. Email us at ukcosmos@imperial.ac.uk and we will resend your Personal ID. You can then use the Start the Survey button on this page.

I started the survey but didn’t finish. Can I continue?

Yes. Log back in the same way and you will return to where you left off — your earlier answers are saved.

I’m having trouble completing the survey on my computer. Can I use my phone or tablet?

Yes. The survey works on any device with an internet connection. If you continue to have difficulties, email ukcosmos@imperial.ac.uk.

Why have I been invited?

You previously joined the UK COSMOS Study and agreed to be contacted about future research activities. Over 100,000 participants from the UK are taking part, making the UK the largest contributor to the international study.

Why does it matter if I take part now?

COSMOS follows the health of participants over many years — it is the long-term follow-up that makes the study valuable. Each survey adds evidence that shorter studies cannot provide. Your answers matter even if your lifestyle or mobile phone use has not changed — and especially if it has.

Do I have to take part?

No. Taking part is entirely voluntary, and you remain enrolled in the study whether or not you complete this survey.

What are the hearing and cognitive tests at the end of the survey?

At the end of the survey you will be invited to complete an optional online hearing test and cognitive test. These take around 10 minutes, and you can choose to view a summary of your scores relative to other people who have taken the tests.

I haven’t heard from the study in a while. Am I still enrolled? 

You are still enrolled in the study. COSMOS is a long-term project and will continue for many years. We try to avoid contacting participants unnecessarily, but this does not mean we have forgotten about you.  We are currently undertaking the next survey in Spring 2026. It is vital that participants continue to take part so that we can continue to monitor possible health effects from use of mobile phones and digital technologies over the long term. 

I no longer live in the UK. Can I still take part? 

Your data remains valuable to our study – We would still like to continue following your health, and it is helpful for us to keep your information in case you return to the UK in the future. If you have moved, please update your address by emailing us at ukcosmos@imperial.ac.uk. 

If your contact information has changed, please let us know by emailing: ukcosmos@imperial.ac.uk 

If possible, include your 8-digit Personal ID, which can be found on any recent correspondence from us, such as a survey invitation. 

How is my information being kept confidential?  

Your privacy and the appropriate use and protection of your data are paramount. Imperial College London will ensure that the research complies fully with current data protection legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.  

All individually identifiable data (such as name and address) will be dealt with in the strictest confidence. Your individually identifiable data will be separated from health and mobile phone use information to preserve confidentiality. All your data will be stored in a dedicated secure ISO 27001 certified research computing environment at Imperial College.   

Will my data be shared with any other researchers? 

Data may be shared with researchers of the international COSMOS consortium or with other researchers and research collaborators. However, no individually identifying information (such as names, addresses, phone numbers) will ever be passed onto these research groups.  

Do you have any queries about your data? 

If you have any queries about your data, please contact:  

UK COSMOS Team: ukcosmos@imperial.ac.uk   

Data Protection Officer, Imperial College London: dpo@imperial.ac.uk   

If you are not satisfied with our response or believe your data is being used unlawfully, you may contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).  

Visit https://ico.org.uk/global/contact-us or email: casework@ico.org.uk   

Am I able to withdraw from the study? 

COSMOS participants have the right to withdraw at any time, without providing a reason. If you are considering withdrawing from the study, please email us at ukcosmos@imperial.ac.uk. 

To help us identify your record, please include your full name, date of birth, address, mobile number, and your personal ID (it can be found on any recent correspondence from us, such as a survey invitation). 

If you decide to withdraw, you must choose one of the following options concerning future contact and data access:  

1) No further contact – this means that COSMOS would no longer contact you directly but would still have your permission to retain and use information provided previously and to obtain and use further information from your health records.  

2) No further access – this means that COSMOS would no longer contact you or obtain further information from your health records in the future but would still have your permission to use the information provided previously.  

If you do not specify an option when you withdraw, we will apply the no further contact option by default. Please note that we cannot remove data already used in completed analyses.