Conference and Emeritus ceremony for Jaak Billiet
December 14, 2007
Leuven (Belgium)

Measuring data in a valid and reliable manner might be called a central task for social scientists. Even more importantly, though, these data should be meaningful. The tight link between content and method cannot be lost out of sight.

For over 30 years, Jaak Billiet has dedicated his work to these highly relevant issues of social research. As an authority in the field of survey methodology, he has been a pioneer in research on values and opinions in Belgium. He has done this with passion, commitment and persistency. In 2005, his work with the ESS was awarded the prestigious Descartes price for innovations made in comparative measurement.

This year, Jaak Billiet will be accorded Emeritus Status. On this occasion, the conference ‘Measuring meaningful data in social research’ focuses on several aspects of meaningful social research. It highlights the European Social Survey (ESS) and measurement of Values and Opinions.

The conference is realized with the support of FWO WOG ‘Methodology of comparative and longitudinal research’