12th GEBF Conference

Kerstin Schneider (RatSWD, University of Wuppertal)

Up-to-date and high-quality educational data is essential for science in order to be able to conduct evidence-based research and provide advice, but also for policymakers to steer accordingly. However, knowledge about educational trajectories and educational outcomes is low in Germany compared to other European countries, and this lack makes it difficult to both monitor and manage the education system. The federal and state governments are now planning an educational pathway register, which promises to improve the situation. Where exactly do we stand and what challenges are emerging? Only if the scientific community has access to the data from the educational pathway register will it be possible to answer important social questions and only then can policy-makers be advised accordingly.

Since 2004, the German Data Forum (RatSWD) – an independent advisory board to the German government – has been working to improve the research data infrastructure in Germany. The RatSWD recently discussed the topic of educational pathway registers in detail in a position paper. The aim of this panel discussion is now to shed light on the potential of an educational pathway register for science and politics from different perspectives. The aim is to discuss possible opportunities, but also open points and challenges.

Chair: Kerstin Schneider [Deputy Chair of the RatSWD, University of Wuppertal]

Panellists:

– Alexandra Blanke, BMBF

– Prof. Dr. Corinna Kleinert, LIfBi

– Dr. Susanne Kollmann, IQHB