Cohort study is an observational method commonly used in epidemiology and has a high level of evidence-based medicine. Schizophrenia， as a complex disease influenced by interaction between genetic and environmental， is suitable for cohort studies. Cohort studies have played an important role in exploring interactions between genetics and environment， turnover， outcome comparison， and major susceptible population of schizophrenia. With the development of information technology and precision medicine， the establishment of large population-based cohorts have become the development trend of cohort studies in schizophrenia. This paper reviews recent advances and development prospects of cohort studies in schizophrenia.