SOEP and British panel study “UK-HLS” agree on closer cooperation

The leadership of both SOEP and “Understanding Society” (The UK Household Longitudinal Study) announced that they will intensify their long-standing collaboration in the future. They intend to coordinate closely on current challenges that large panel studies face, thereby pooling their comprehensive expertise. In addition, the employees of both studies will benefit from mutual exchange on all topics related to study implementation such as panel stability (e.g., participation rates) and survey methods.

According to SOEP Vice-director Prof. Dr. Sabine Zinn, the cross-national cooperation has the potential to create valuable synergies: “An intensified exchange with Understanding Society – one of the leading international household panel studies – brings benefits for both sides, as both sides can learn from each other and improve their potential.” “Understanding Society” director Michaela Benzeval said, “Panel studies face unique challenges, so it is good to work with other studies to share expertise. At Understanding Society we’re looking forward to working more closely with colleagues at SOEP.”