Database a goldmine for researchers

‘ Thanks to this database, we can follow the course of each individual´s life from cradle to grave,´ says Professor Anders Brändström, DDB director and representative of the Centre for Population Studies (CPS) at Umeå University.

One aspect the researchers are examining is how ageing affects health and women´s life patterns, health and social status in particular. The material is also used for studying hereditary effects of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, for example, and for research on inbreeding (consanguinity) and morbidity.

The DDB is not only used by CPS researchers, but also available for the use of other researchers in Sweden and abroad.

‘ We have visiting researchers from almost every discipline — genetics, molecular medicine, sociology, religion, history and statistics, for example.´

Sami research

‘ Today, we lack all knowledge of their demographic history. The only existing research was carried out in dubious circumstances, by the Swedish Institute for Racial Biology in the 1930s. Supported by the Swedish Research Council, the researchers are also establishing a database for the areas in northern Sweden (the counties of Norrbotten, Västerbotten and Jämtland) that contained a majority of Sami.

‘ By the end of 2007, we´ll have a database covering the whole North Sami region and large parts of the South Sami region as well.´

Stamp of quality

‘ We want to study topics like declining fertility in Europe and initiate research on language and ethnicity.´

When the DDB was nominated as one of ten strong research environments, it meant not only a financial contribution. The money also makes it easier to apply for new funds as well and enhances the attraction of the Centre, thinks Anders Brändström.

‘ It´s given us a stamp of quality as a strong and credible research environment. I´m convinced that this is important when we apply for other funds, and that it gives us a platform on which we can develop further.´

Story: Peter Tillhammar
Photograph on start page (Decoration on a Sami costume): Ragnar Ness/NPS/IBL Bildbyrå

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The Demographic Data Base