Focus on research

The SOM Institute's annual surveys started thanks to great research enthusiasm among social science researchers at the University of Gothenburg. Over time, an increasing number of other higher academic institutions have become involved. Today, the Institute's studies have become some sort of a scientific omnibus study for the social sciences.

The Institute's primary aim is to, by means of its annual surveys, study long-term trends with respect to society, opinions and media. Yet, the Institute carries out short-term projects as well. These are often initiated by and conducted together with various academic research projects, media, public authorities and institutions, and actors from the business sector.

The SOM surveys are always based on a particular research project in collaboration with researchers. For a research project to team up with the SOM Institute, its purpose must be compatible with the general aim of the Institute – to create knowledge about society, opinions and media.