The Centre for Multilevel Modelling moves to Bristol
Brief history
The Centre for Multilevel modelling existed at the Institute of education effectively since 1986 when I obtained a grant (with Ruth Silver) from ESRC to pursue work on multilevel modelling. Since that time, it has obtained almost continuous support from ESRC through programme and initiative grants. Jon Rasbash joined in 1988, followed by Bob Prosser, Min Yang, Geoff Woodhouse, Ian Plewis and Pan HuiQui in the early 1990s, with Bill Browne in the mid 1990s and Fiona Steele in the late 1990s and most recently Edmond Ng. In addition a wide range of associated fellows has met regularly to pursue common interests. Amy Burch has been the Centre administrator for many years, assisted by Lisa Brennan. In October 2005 the move to Bristol University was completed. Amy Burch and Lisa Brennan continue to work for the Centre from their London base, processing MLwiN orders and maintaining the website. In Bristol Hilary Browne has replaced Amy and a new administrator will join us shortly to support the new LEMMA project.
Why move?
For many years it has been clear that, whereas most early applications of multilevel modelling were in Educational research, this is now a minority activity and the procedures that the Centre and others have developed are widely used throughout the social and medical sciences. The Centre's activities and interests reflect this with very diverse collaborations and advisory activities. In particular, there have been a series of important collaborations with academics at the University of Bristol, in Education, Economics, Geography Social medicine, etc. With my retirement a move to a more appropriate environment seemed natural and Bristol University School of Education and faculty of Social Sciences offered to house its activities. I shall continue to work at the Centre, basing myself in Bristol part time.
The future
Since the decision to move was taken, major new funding has been obtained from ESRC to set up a 'node' for its National Centre for Research Methods Called LEMMA (Learning environment for multilevel methodology and applications), this is beginning to generate interesting new methodology and training materials. An existing ESRC multilevel methodology project has transferred from IOE to Bristol and further research activities are being considered. Sadly, Amy Burch and Lisa Brennan will not be going to Bristol. Jon Rasbash and Fiona Steele will direct activities in Bristol, and the Centre's fellows will continue to meet in London.