Spotlight on the Swiss Centre of Expertise in the Social Sciences
The Swiss Centre of Expertise in the Social Sciences (FORS) is the national centre of expertise in the social sciences in Switzerland which is a CESSDA member. Hear from Brian Kleiner, Head of Data and Research Information Services at FORS.
The CESSDA Country Spotlight series showcases national service providers. We interviewed representatives of the national service providers, dear members of the CESSDA community. We asked them about the value CESSDA provides their data archive and vice versa.
The Swiss Centre of Expertise in the Social Sciences
At the core of FORS' activities is the production of survey data, encompassing both national and international surveys. Through meticulous acquisition, documentation, preservation, and dissemination, FORS ensures the availability of high-quality quantitative and qualitative data. Their commitment to data sharing and secondary analysis promotes a vibrant research culture within Switzerland's social sciences. SWISSUbase, their dedicated platform, streamlines research data management and facilitates data archiving for various social science disciplines.
FORS offers comprehensive consulting services to researchers in Switzerland and beyond. Their expertise assists researchers in navigating various aspects of their projects, providing guidance on research design, data access, and data sharing strategies. FORS is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation and the University of Lausanne, and is a trusted and influential entity in Switzerland's social sciences ecosystem.
To empower researchers, FORS organises workshops and training programs. These initiatives cover a broad range of topics, including survey methodology, data access, data sharing, research data management, informed consent, anonymisation, and data preparation. By equipping researchers with essential skills and knowledge, FORS ensures the highest standards of research practice and promotes effective data utilisation.
Brian Kleiner about CESSDA
“Through CESSDA we are able to build things together with other data archives, and we benefit from what we build.” Brian Kleiner, Head of Data and Research Information Services at FORS.
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