ARK runs three annual surveys that monitor the attitudes of the public of all ages in Northern Ireland to key social issues that affect their lives.

The Northern Ireland Life and Times (NILT) survey records the attitudes of adults, and in 2012, focused on autism, community relations, minority ethnic groups, and equality issues. The findings of the 2012 survey will be released in June - so check the next ARK newsletter for details.

The Young Life and Times (YLT) survey focuses on 16 year olds, and as with NILT, equality issues are a key theme. The results of the 2012 survey will be launched on 23 May - see below for further details.

The Kids' Life and Times (KLT) survey asks children in Primary 7 about their lives, and the 2013 survey will take place in the next few months. The results of the 2012 survey are now available - see the Publications section below.

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Every year, ARK offers policy makers, researchers and anyone concerned with young people's issues the opportunity to get an overview of the key results of the most recent Young Life and Times (YLT) survey, before the full survey results are being released to the general public. This launch event will be held as part of Community Relations Week, and we will consequently focus on YLT survey findings related to Community Relations, Equality and Diversity (CRED), as well as shared education.

The seminar will be held at Queen's University (Canada Room, Lanyon Building) on 23rd May 2013, 12.00-14.00. The seminar is free, but places must be booked, via e-mail at e.gray@qub.ac.uk or phone 028 9097 5906. The deadline for registration is 17th May 2013.

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On Tuesday 23 April 2013, Ken Harland and Sam McCready (University of Ulster) and Michael McKenna (YouthAction) will discuss how results of a longitudinal study of boys aged 11-16 in Northern Ireland can help us understand and appreciate reasons why certain boys may not achieve more successful educational outcomes.

This seminar will be held NICVA, 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast, from 12:00-13:00, followed by a sandwich lunch. Everyone is welcome, and the seminar is free. However, places must be booked by email info@ark.ac.uk, or by telephone 028 7167 5513.

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ARK produces a range of publications, including Research Updates and fact sheets. Most of these are available online. The most recent publication is Issue 5 of What Kids Think, is a colourful comic presenting key results from the 2012 Kids' Life and Times Survey.

For a full list of publications, as well as links, visit our Publications page.

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ARK is a joint initiative between Queen's University and the University of Ulster, and began in 2000. Our mission is to make social science knowledge on Northern Ireland easily accessible to the widest possible audience. Most of our dissemination is via our website at www.ark.ac.uk, which is divided into four main areas:

• Surveys
• Conflict, Politics and Elections
• Policy, Research and Resources
• Outreach, Dissemination and Training - including publications and events

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