Pre-Conference Workshop

2024 Data-Intensive Research Conference

July 29-30, 2024 | Minneapolis, MN

NDIRA, a collaboration between IPUMS and the University of Minnesota Life Course Center, will be accepting applications for the workshop component of the 2024 Data-Intensive Research Conference. The workshop will be held July 29-30, 2024 at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. This will be an in-person workshop; some components of the subsequent conference will allow for virtual participation.

Apply for Workshop

This workshop is designed to familiarize participants with two specific population data resources from IPUMS related to the conference theme of Harnessing the Power of Linked Data to Study Aging. The workshop will include an overview of IPUMS data and their suitability for studying aging and the life course, and then participants will be separated into two tracks focused on linking with IPUMS full count data or data linkages with IPUMS MEPS. Learn more about each track below.

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Linking with IPUMS Full Count Data Overview

Full count IPUMS data provide opportunities to link individuals across censuses and with other records to develop longitudinal data and life histories. IPUMS Multigenerational Longitudinal Panel (MLP) links individuals' records between full count census files available via IPUMS USA. The current MLP data consist of links between adjacent censuses of 1850-1940. Other projects have linked census records with other sources. This track will provide participants with:

  • an understanding of the availability of full count data from IPUMS
  • a discussion of the challenges and opportunities of census linkage
  • an overview of the MLP linking strategy, experience requesting and working with linked data from the IPUMS USA extract system
  • resources for linking IPUMS MLP to additional data
  • time to discuss research ideas and data availability with data experts

Data Linkages with IPUMS MEPS Overview

IPUMS MEPS* provides a harmonized version of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), which provides longitudinal data focused on health status, medical conditions, healthcare utilization, and healthcare expenditures from five interviews over the span of two years. Beyond longitudinal linking, there are possibilities for linking between MEPS files to summarize information about medical conditions, medical events (e.g., hospitalizations, outpatient visits), and prescription medications. Participants in the IPUMS MEPS* track will receive:

  • an in-depth tutorial on the IPUMS version of MEPS-HC data, including medical condition, event, and prescription medication records
  • a guided introduction to unique features embedded in the IPUMS MEPS user interface to further customize extracts and facilitate the use of linked MEPS data
  • sample code and hands-on lab time to become familiar with MEPS-HC data from IPUMS
  • support to set up a linked data file to address specific research questions that leverage multiple file types and/or the longitudinal aspect of the MEPS data
  • opportunities to discuss research ideas with workshop leaders and others who have similar interests

The workshop is targeted towards scholars who have worked with quantitative data, but are relatively new to using linked full count census data from IPUMS or IPUMS MEPS data; this includes graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, early career faculty, or experienced scholars developing a new line of research. We expect workshop participants will also attend the research sessions of the Data-Intensive Research Conference.*

Instructions for Applying

Applications are open through Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Applicants should be prepared to indicate which track (Linking with IPUMS Full Count or IPUMS MEPS) they are interested in participating in, and to submit brief statements about their professional background, their current research agenda and its relevance to the workshop topic, and how attending the workshop will further their research or professional development.

Apply for Workshop

Workshop space is limited to 40 participants.

We will offer travel support for some participants selected to attend the workshop and conference. Travel support recipients will receive reimbursement for some or all of the following expenses: domestic airfare, ground travel, lodging, and meals. Our external research networks place emphasis on increasing diversity in social science research with specific attention to supporting early career scholars, scholars from systemically excluded groups, and researchers outside of R1 institutions; funding will be awarded with consideration for these criteria.

Support for this workshop is provided by NDIRA & IPUMS.

Tentative Schedule

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Monday, July 29

This schedule is tentative and subject to slight alterations in time or topical coverage of specific sessions to accommodate participant interests, presenter expertise, and social events as part of the workshop.

9:00-9:15  Breakfast
9:15-10:15  Welcome and introductions
10:30-11:15  History of IPUMS
11:30-12:30  Linkages with IPUMS data
12:30-1:45  Roundtable lunch discussions
2:00-4:00  Track-specific introductions (Overview of IPUMS Full Count Data Resources and IPUMS MEPS)

Tuesday, July 30 Linking Full Count Data Track

9:00-9:15  Breakfast
9:15-10:15 Introduction to IPUMS MLP 
10:30-11:15  Accessing full count & MLP data via IPUMS USA
11:15-12:30  Linking Full Count and External Data Sources (including non-IPUMS data)
12:30-1:30  Lunch
1:30-4:30  Drop-in consultations with IPUMS Research Staff & Open Lab Time

This schedule is tentative and subject to slight alterations in time or topical coverage of specific sessions to accommodate participant interests, presenter expertise, and social events as part of the workshop.

Tuesday, July 30 IPUMS MEPS Track

9:00-9:15  Breakfast
9:15-10:15 Overview: Linking Person, Event, and Condition Data
10:30-11:30  Introduction to the IPUMS MEPS Variable Builder
11:45-12:45  Lab & Drop-in Consultations with IPUMS Research Staff: Hands-on exercise to link person, event, and condition data
12:45-1:30  Lunch
1:30-2:30  Linking Information Across Time: Overview and special considerations 
2:45-4:30 Lab & Drop-in Consultations with IPUMS Research Staff: Hands-on exercise to create longitudinal data using options in the IPUMS MEPS interface

This schedule is tentative and subject to slight alterations in time or topical coverage of specific sessions to accommodate participant interests, presenter expertise, and social events as part of the workshop.

* Note that scholars interested in using MEPS data are encouraged to apply regardless of whether or not their work includes an emphasis on aging or the life course, or if they plan to attend the conference. Separate funding may be available for those whose research is related to NICHD's priority areas (reproductive health, women’s health, children and adolescents, and optimizing abilities for all).