Institute for Social & Economic Research Socio-economic research and surveys

Research

ISER enjoys an international profile for its cutting-edge socio-economic research. Its prestigious team of researchers has a wide range of expertise in social science disciplines, including economics, sociology, demography, geography and statistics.

Using longitudinal studies such as the British Household Panel Survey and Understanding Society, researchers at ISER focus primarily on the life-course of the individual and the changing nature of society. At any one time, they are involved in a wide range of projects and their research makes a crucial contribution not just to the academic literature on these subjects, but to the decisions that are made by practitioners and policy makers around the world.

ISER research matters.Their work is used by academics and researchers, policy makers, other influential bodies, charitable organisations and journalists involved in ongoing debates about society.

Surveys

ISER is one of the leading centres in the world for the design and management of longitudinal surveys and for survey methodology.

The British Household Panel Survey, run by the team at ISER since 1991, is one of the most widely used data sets in the world and its successor, Understanding Society, is the largest study of its kind, interviewing people annually in 40,000 UK households.

Its highly-specialised team of experts ensure the collection of longitudinal data of the highest quality to meet UK social research needs and to promote its widest and most effective use. The team also supports researchers and other users of the data through the provision of advice, information and training in longitudinal analysis and the provision of resources to make data easier to use.

1. Economic & Social Research Council
2. University of Essex