FP7 Research Infrastructures

European Social Survey Infrastructure Preparatory Phase Project

In 2006, the ESS was identified by the European Strategy Forum for Research Infrastructures as one of 35 potential European Research Infrastructures (and, in particular, one of 5 identified social sciences and humanities research infrastructures).  In 2007, the ESS was awarded funding under the Research Infrastructures Priority, Capacities Specific Programme, Framework Programme 7, to commence preparatory actions in anticipation for its possible selection as a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) in 2013.  This preparatory action (European Social Survey Infrastructure Preparatory Phase Project) brings together key stakeholders from the scientific community and representatives of national research ministries and research councils and the European Science Foundation.  Their joint activities include:  developing a viable governance structure which will hold for the long-term operation of the ESS ERIC; developing its legal underpinnings and clarifying and securing agreement for the financial model which will support the ERIC activities.  One strand of work is solely undertaken by the scientific partners in ESSPrep, this relates to assessing the costs and quality implications of different modes of survey administration (‘mixed mode’).

The Description of Activities can be found here.

The ESSPrep Project has produced a booklet detailing selected findings across a range of policy areas and a poster.

* An open invitation is extended to Member States, Associated Countries and intergovernmental organisations who wish to participate in the development of the governance, financial and legal models informing the preparation of the ESS Upgrade Agreement.  Please contact the City University team for further details.