The National Centre for Research Methods is pleased to be part of a new three-year European Union Twinning initiative that will support the development of research methods expertise at the University of Tallinn, Estonia. The aim is to strengthen research on youth transitions from a life course perspective.
Ros Edwards, Ann Berrington and Susie Weller, will work in partnership with colleagues at Tallinn and at the University of Bamberg, Germany, and the Netherlands Interdisciplinary demographic Institute, to strengthen research on youth transitions from a life course perspective.
The 'YouthLife' project aims to bridge qualitative and quantitative approaches to life course research and advance mixed methods design for the new Estonian Longitudinal Study of Youth, as well as fostering mutually advantageous networking and exchanges of knowledge between all the international partners. Ros and Susie will be drawing on their expertise to lead on expanding skills in advanced qualitative longitudinal and mixed methods, and Ann will lead on her expertise in quantitative longitudinal and mixed methods data collection and analysis. Ann comments: "I am excited about this EU project which brings together leaders in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of transitions to adulthood, including our international partners: Profs. Saar (Tallinn), Blossfeld (Bamberg) and Liefbroer (Nidi). A mixed methods approach is likely to lead to a better understanding of the ways in which young adults' lives are becoming more uncertain and the implications of this for their later life courses'.
The Southampton team will also be providing mentoring to early career researchers and doctoral students and hosting advanced training schools and research visits to Southampton. 'Building the methodological capacities of up-and-coming researchers in Estonia, and supporting the development of the country's new longitudinal youth study is a venture that we are proud to be involved in. It shows the standing in which our methodological expertise at Southampton is held', said Ros.