The Societal Observatory Using Novel Data Sources (SOUNDS), based at Saarland University and led by Prof. Ingmar Weber and Prof. Daniela Braun, is a pioneering interdisciplinary initiative designed to harness innovative data sources to systematically study societal transformations. SOUNDS bridges computer science and social sciences to advance research methodologies that leverage unconventional data such as social media analytics, satellite imagery, and web search trends. By combining Saarland University's expertise in informatics with insights from social science research, SOUNDS aims to become a central hub for innovative, empirical studies addressing contemporary societal challenges. Ultimately, SOUNDS seeks to inform decision-making, foster public engagement, and support democratic resilience, positioning itself as both a research powerhouse and a think-and-do tank dedicated to solving real-world societal issues.
SOUNDS is supported by the „Transformationsprogramm Forschung und Wissenstransfer Saar" (Transformation Program for Research and Knowledge Transfer Saar). Stay tuned for more details on this initiative.
For the latest information, check sounds-observatory.org.