Demographic Research in Germany has a long and far-reaching tradition. German scientists created and originated distinguished merits and essential methodological expertises. The foundation of the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in Rostock as well as the launching of the programme of study "Demography" at the University of Rostock brought to an end a period of rather sparse scientific research and training. That eventually facilitated the possibility to train young scientists and talents in the interdisciplinary field of demography. So far these young people were lacking a scientific platform in Germany to present and discuss latest research and problems. This need allows for the foundation of a new research group within the German Demography Association (DGD e.V.) - "Young Demography". The research group should be regarded as an enhancement of the already existing DGD-research groups with special emphasis on the promotion of young scholars and on the international knowledge exchange.

The aim of the research group "Young Demography" is to encourage doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows to present their work as well as the support of new ideas, research questions and methodological approaches and collaborations between persons, groups and institutions in the academic discipline of demography. Hence the annual (autumn) meetings should be held in alternating co-operation with universities and scientific institutes. The research group wants to help to increase the attractiveness of the German Association of Demography especially towards young scientists. The research group wants to help to raise awareness of fundamental questions and to underline the necessity for academic training in the demographic field.

The research group intends to organise meetings on varying topics of demographic research at least once a year. Additional meetings will be held if necessary. Furthermore the research group volunteers for organising an own session at the annual meetings of the German Association of Demography respectively. The research group constitutes a forum where, on the one hand, methods, techniques and instruments of scientific analyses of demographic questions should be discussed and where, on the other hand, forward-looking and interdisciplinary problems should be developed. The creation of an own webpage will ensure the efficiency of these goals. Furthermore young scientist should have the opportunity to make new manuscripts and working paper open to the public on such an information exchange platform.