The preparatory module was used to prepare a proposal for the establishment of the Einstein Center Population Diversity (ECPD). The aim was to plan and design the research center, which is intended to deepen the scientific examination of population diversity, aging and family structures. In view of the aging population, migration movements and the diversification of Western societies, this step is of great importance. Only through excellent research can decisionmakers in politics, business and civil society successfully shape the necessary social transformations. In the years 2021 to 2023, this module created the conditions for successfully establishing the ECPD and expanding the international research landscape to include a major player in this field.
In the first year of the preparatory module, the focus was on drafting the proposal to establish the ECPD. This involved formulating the central research questions relating to population and family diversity, migration and aging, which are to be addressed in the future center. Despite existing approaches in demographic research, there has been no comprehensively coordinated and structured initiative of this kind in Germany to date. The ECPD is intended to close this gap and serve as a beacon for national and international research. In addition, a regular series of dialogues on key topics relating to population diversity and social inequalities has been established as part of the “Tuesday Dialogues for an Einstein Center Population Diversity”. The dialog series not only contributes to networking at national and international level, but also to inter- and transdisciplinary dialog, which is of central importance to the ECPD.
Significant collaborations were consolidated in 2022, including partnerships with the University of Oxford, for example. Several workshops were held that dealt with socially and scientifically highly relevant topics such as health and family in ageing societies, LGBTQ+ and family structures as well as best practice examples from interand transdisciplinary research. These events were not only scientifically valuable, but also helped to strengthen international networks and further increase the visibility of the ECPD. In addition, a question module on “Future Uncertainties” was integrated into the Innovation Sample of the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP-IS), the data from which will be used for future ECPD research questions, such as the effects of family care activities on fertility decisions.
The year 2023 was decisive for the realization of the ECPD. Following the successful submission of the application and an intensive review process by an international panel of experts and coordinated by the Einstein Foundation, the ECPD received final funding approval in July 2023. This made it possible to continue and intensify the scientific work. The highlight of the year's preparatory module was the on-site visit as a central part of the review, during which the ECPD's scientific directors presented their research agenda and plans in detail. At the same time, a minimal item set for family composition and diversity was developed in collaboration with the FriedeSpringer Cardiovascular Prevention Center at Charité. This is expected to be used in all Friede-Springer Center surveys in the future. This will make it easier to identify potential bio-pyscho-social influences of the family on cardiovascular disease progression and the prevention of these diseases.
The Einstein Center Population Diversity (ECPD) was officially opened with a kick-off event on April 9, 2024 in the Festsaal of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. The event began with an opening speech by Prof. Martin Rennert, Chairman of the Board of the Einstein Foundation, and marked the official starting signal for further years of groundbreaking research. Numerous scientists from the ECPD network came together to celebrate the completion of the preparatory module and the beginning of a new era for the Einstein Center Population Diversity.