The workshop introduced participants to the Strong Pillar of the NextGeneration Programme and explored how social science research can contribute to strengthening education, employment, family outcomes, and intergenerational equality across Europe. Through expert presentations, interactive discussions, and group activities, participants examined key societal questions related to opportunities for younger generations, access to education and employment, participation in STEM fields, and changing family values across generations. Academic experts presented core concepts underpinning the Strong Pillar and introduced major European comparative survey infrastructures and datasets, including the European Social Survey (ESS), European Values Study (EVS), Generations and Gender Programme (GGP), and the CRONOS-3 dataset. Peter Benczúr from the Joint Research Centre (JRC) also shared insights into the use of social research in evidence-based policymaking at the European level. The workshop combined theoretical input with practical, collaborative work.

By the end of the workshop, participants gained a better understanding of how to apply theoretical frameworks and European social data to research questions on education, employment, family outcomes, and intergenerational equality. They also strengthened their ability to formulate policy-relevant research questions, identify suitable datasets and analytical approaches, and communicate preliminary research findings to both academic and policy-oriented audiences.