Martin Gerike receives national FAMS trainee award

Martin Gerike, who recently completed his training as a Specialist in Market and Social Research (FAMS) at the SOEP, was selected by the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) as the best in his graduating class of a total of 67 FAMS across Germany. He was awarded this distinction at a national awards ceremony at the Maritim Hotel Berlin on December 9. Federal Education Minister Anja Karliczek gave a speech at the ceremony, where 206 vocational trainees in a total of 198 IHK-recognized professions received awards as the best in their graduating class. Martin Gerike completed his dual training as a Specialist in Market and Social Research in August with a score of 95 points on his exam.

According to SOEP Director Stefan Liebig, “Martin Gerike was already doing outstanding work during his practical training at the SOEP.” The 20-year-old was responsible for conducting the annual SOEP User Survey. He also worked on the SOEPcompanion, an online resource for SOEP data users.

“We are delighted that Martin Gerike will be continuing at the SOEP after completing his studies,” said Liebig. “We are extremely fortunate that the FAMS training program is established at the SOEP. The program prepares students to carry out scientific support at a research infrastructure, and our FAMS contribute many innovative ideas that enable the SOEP to develop further.”

Since completing his training, Martin has been working in data preparation for the research project Dynamics of Mental Health of Migrants (DMHM), which studies connections between migration and mental health in different countries. He will also be working in the Survey Management Division of the SOEP research infrastructure.

In late November, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce awarded Martin Gerike the distinction of best FAMS trainee in Berlin.