The present investigation focuses on the concerted investigation of pressure gradient and streamwise curvature effects on turbulent boundary layers. In particular, a number of direct and large-eddy simulations covering a wide range of pressure gradient parameters and streamwise histories on flat and curved surfaces is performed and will be compared with wind-tunnel experiments utilising hot-wire anemometry and particle image velocimetry that overlap and extend the Reynolds number range. Results are aimed at isolating the effects of pressure gradients, streamwise curvature and streamwise (pressure gradient) histories as well as Reynolds number, which have traditionally inhibited to draw firm conclusions from the available data.