Yavor Markov’s scientific contributions

In light of the growing importance of web-based data in the social and behavioral sciences, WEBDATANET was established in 2011 as a COST Action (IS 1004) to create a multidisciplinary network of web-based data collection experts: (web) survey methodologists, psychologists, sociologists, linguists, economists, Internet scientists, media and public opinion researchers. The aim was to accumulate and synthesize knowledge regarding methodological issues of web-based data collection (surveys, experiments, tests, non-reactive data, and mobile Internet research), and foster its scientific usage in a broader community. In the last three years WEBDATANET has grown into a multidisciplinary European network, which brings together more than 190 leading web-based data collection experts, from 30 countries of the European Union and abroad. Through its activities (conferences, workshops, training schools and short-term scientific missions) it has established a unique research forum, which contributes to the theoretical and empirical foundations of web-based data collection and enhances the integrity and legitimacy of these new forms of data collection. WEBDATANET has fostered the development of innovative research agendas and the drafting of cross-national research proposals. The network has also actively promoted the use of web-based data by supplying web-based teaching and discussion platforms and research exchanges.

What is in it for you? Do you collect data via the Internet in your research? If you do, this European network is important for you. The network collects and combines experiences and research on the methodology of online data collection. It provides access to expertise that may be important in your re-search. [...] WEBDATANET is a unique multidisciplinary European network bringing together more than 76 leading web-based data collection experts, (web) survey methodologists, psychologists, sociologists, linguists, economists, computer scientists, media researchers, internet scientists and public opinion researchers from 28 countries of the European Union and abroad. By addressing methodological issues of web-based data collection (surveys, experiments, tests, non-reactive data collection, and mobile internet research) and fostering its scientific usage, WEBDATANET aims to contribute to the theoretical and empirical foundations of web-based data collection, stimulate its integration into the entire research process, and en-hance the integrity and legitimacy of these new forms of data collection. WEBDATANET is an Action of COST, which is an intergovernmental framework for Euro-pean Cooperation in Science and Technology. COST is one of the longest-running European instruments supporting cooperation among scientists and researchers across Europe. It con-tributes to reducing the fragmentation in European research investments and opening the Eu-ropean Research Area to cooperation worldwide. It is a unique means for European research-ers to jointly develop their ideas and new initiatives across all scientific disciplines through trans-European networking of nationally funded research activities. While COST does not fund research in and of itself, it does provide platforms for European scientists to collaborate on specific projects which are called Actions.