Description and objectives

This pre-conference focuses on advanced methods in studies on social security, work and health and public health in general. While our research is conducted in complex real-world settings, the methods used are becoming increasingly advanced and sophisticated. This pre-conference will give participants the opportunity to learn about and discuss state-of-the-art methodological developments as well as to reflect about current methodological issues in small-group discussions. The topics range from methods used to gain a better understanding of complex systems and quantitative intersectionality research, to the use of machine learning in the field of social security, work and health. The pre-conference will combine easily accessible expert talks on current methodological developments, including real-life examples, with round-table discussions on current issues, followed by plenary discussions on the presented topics.

Preliminary programme

09.00 – 09.15 Welcome and introduction (Ute Bültmann and Femke Abma)

09.15 – 09.45 An introduction to Machine learning, big data and complex data. Emma Petterson, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Overview and practical examples, including alcohol disorder and work disability.

09.45 – 10.30 Round-table discussions, including introductions, on methodological topics related to machine learning, big data and complex data (Emma Petterson and Ute Bültmann)

10.30 – 11.00 Coffee/tea break

11:00 – 12:30 An introduction to Complex Systems Science: The why, the how and practical applications. Eline Vos, Femke Abma, Sandra van Oostrom, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), the Netherlands. Overview and practical examples including Care for elderly, Informal Care and Burnout in healthcare workers

12:30 – 13:30 Lunch break

13:30 – 14.15 Round-table discussions, including introductions, on methodological topics related to systems science (two round table sessions, Femke Abma and Eline Vos)

14.15-15.00 An introduction to the quantitative application of intersectionality in epidemiological research. Antonio Moreno Llamas, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain

15:00 – 15:30 Coffee/tea break

15:30 – 16:15 Round-table discussions on methodological topics of quantitative intersectionality in epidemiology and health research (two round table sessions: Antonio Moreno Llamas and Amaia Ayala)

16:15 – 17:00 Reflection and Wrap-up (Ute Bültmann and Femke Abma, including all speakers)

Dinner is at participants’ own cost.