Data as a Key to Better Crisis Preparedness
Interview of June 2, 2026
For more than 40 years, SOEP has been collecting information on living conditions, health, and social factors from approximately 30,000 individuals. Based on these data, Sabine Zinn develops synthetic health data that links different information sources and enable realistic scenario modeling. These models help researchers understand human behavior during crises and assess potential impacts at an early stage. Drawing on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Zinn emphasizes the importance of social factors such as loneliness and economic security. The goal is to translate these findings into policy recommendations and strengthen societal resilience.
