At the beginning of their visit, they presented the longitudinal study in a first lecture (“Background to the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children and policy relevance and uses”) and elaborated on central research questions in great detail. In addition, Joanne Corey and Michelle Marquardt reported on the influence of available research findings on decisions taken by the Australian government concerning society and family affairs.

The second lecture on the subject of “Tracking, sample retention, and engagement strategies in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children” gave further information on the design of the study and the development of the panel sample. The presentation provided a valuable insight into extensive measures which have been developed and used within the scope of panel care in order to continually motivate participants to take part in the study. Further information on the study Growing Up in Australia are available on www.growingupinaustralia.gov.au.