To enable researchers to devote time to research that directly impacts on Understanding Society, we run a Fellowship Programme. Fellowships allow researchers to take time out to focus on projects based on Understanding Society data or methodological challenges. The Fellowship programme provides funding for a 12-month full- or part-time project, with additional resources for follow-on dissemination and impact generating activities. Fellows can be based anywhere in the world. Practical support is available from the Study team to advise on data and analysis plans, communication and impact strategies. The maximum budget per Fellowship is £70,000 for staff and dissemination costs.
Fellowships in mixed mode measurement
Since Wave 5 in the Innovation Panel and Wave 7 on the main survey, we have collected data via sequential mixed mode (face-to-face, web and telephone). This provides participants with choices about how to complete the survey, reduces costs, and in 2020 when the pandemic hit, allowed us to continue collecting data seamlessly without face-to-face interviews. Research has been carried out on the measurement issues associated with mixed mode data collection, which we have used in the survey design to minimise mode effects. The research that has already been done with the Study on mixed mode data collection can be found here. However, we feel there is much more that we, and our data users, need to know about the effects of mode of response on measures of change and stability in key domains across the Study and between different sub-groups within the Study. Until the pandemic, both the innovation panel and main survey have included a random sample issued face-to-face since mixed mode data collection was introduced, creating significant opportunities for investigating these issues in a range of ways. In addition, the mid-wave changes in mode in 2020, with the suspension of face-to-face interviewing affecting Waves 11,12 and 13, create unique opportunities to further explore these effects. By the end of this year Wave 11 and year 1 of Wave 12 (within the 2020 data release) will be available as well as IP13 which was conducted in 2020. We would welcome Fellowship applications that create new insights on mixed mode measurement issues and provide advice to Understanding Society users on how to manage these in their analyses.
How to apply
You can read more about the Fellowship programme and the current call for proposals on our website. Applications close at 5.00 on 12 January 2022. You are strongly advised to discuss your Fellowship ideas with a member of the Understanding Society team before submitting your application. Please contact Becky Parsons (rparsons@essex.ac.uk) in the first instance, who will put you in touch with the appropriate person to discussion your application.
Applications will be assessed on the basis of their scientific merit and potential to enhance the usefulness of the Study as a research resource and/or generate policy impact. Any researcher based in a higher education institution is eligible to apply (except the University of Essex), but people can only have an Understanding Society Fellowship once, so previously successful applicants should not apply. We welcome applications from researchers at any career stage. Please note these Fellowships are not open to Masters or PhD students
Survey methodology
