TILDA Researchers Participate in Society for Longitudinal and Life Course Studies Summer School 2024
Posted on 14 October 2024
In August 2024, Grace Lehane, Research Assistant, and Brendan Ó'Maoiléidigh, Ph.D. student and Data Assistant, represented TILDA at the Society for Longitudinal and Life Course Studies (SLLS) Summer School, held in Bamberg, Germany, at the Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories. The Summer School brought together PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and early career professionals from across Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Australia, with the aim of enhancing expertise in longitudinal and life course research.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in lectures, discussions, and practical computer labs, developing skills in both the theoretical and technical aspects of life course research. Topics covered included life course epidemiology, led by Dr Stéphane Cullati from the University of Fribourg, which explored epidemiological approaches for understanding how early-life factors affect health outcomes over time. Additionally, professors Ian Ross MacMillan from the University of Limerick and Dimitri Mortelmans from the University of Antwerp guided researchers in examining hierarchical data structures within longitudinal studies through multilevel analysis.
Matthias Studer from the University of Geneva introduced sequence analysis techniques for investigating patterns and sequences in life course data, while professors Hill Kulu from the University of St Andrews and Karel Neels from the University of Antwerp provided insights into event history analysis and the timing of life events. Dr Daniel Fuß from LIfBi shared practical advice on survey design and data access options available for longitudinal studies, while Timo Gnambs from LIfBi presented methods for analysing longitudinal competence data. Finally, Prof. Dr. Christian Aßmann discussed approaches to handling missing data in longitudinal and hierarchical datasets.
In addition to the academic sessions, the SLLS team organised social events that provided attendees with a chance to explore Bamberg—a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its medieval architecture and vibrant cultural history. Highlights included a guided tour of Bamberg Cathedral and the iconic Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall). The city’s culinary specialties also made an impression, with Schäuferla, a hearty roast shoulder of pork served with potato dumplings and cabbage, becoming a favourite dish among attendees.
