Longitudinal educational research in Sweden is described, with emphasis on research used for educational planning and evaluation. Educational reforms have reflected the societal goal of improved welfare for the whole population. Research is generally supported by the National Board of Education and conducted by universities. To perform educational planning in accordance with society's goals, longitudinal studies are needed, as well as information about resource allocation. In 1985, Swedish educational authorities, National Board of Education, and National Board of Universities and Colleges proposed that long-term funding be allocated for the best-designed existing longitudinal studies: (1) Malmo study, originally started in 1938 with 1,542 third graders in the city of Malmo in Sweden; (2) Metropolit study, started in 1964, consisting of 15,000 children born in Stockholm in 1953 and emphasizing sociological and family behavior; and (3) Orebro project, started in 1965 for all Orebro children born from 1952 to 1955, focusing on adjustment, behavior, and achievement. Two other projects are discussed in detail: the Individual Statistics Project (ISP), begun in 1961, studying educational outcomes and the effect of the 9-year comprehensive school; and its successor, Evaluation through Follow-up, known in Sweden as UGU. Three new cohorts were selected to study the same topics as ISP. (GDC)