Abstract
In this lecture, I will share the background to ROSES and how the project developed from an identified need in science education research (SER) at the time. Drawing on my experience of large-scale quantitative research, I will discuss how the project’s purpose shaped its design and how it was coordinated across participating countries, including decisions concerning questionnaire development, translation and adaptation, sampling, data collection, and the subsequent treatment and analysis of data. I will highlight key findings to illustrate why international comparisons matter and reflect on what worked well and what proved more challenging. With particular relevance to research on astronomy and space education, I will also reflect on the importance of sustained collaboration and active participation in the SER community, both for keeping pace with developments in the field and for contributing to the evolution of research questions, theoretical perspectives and methods.

By the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:
• Critically reflect on how an identified research need can shape the purpose and design of an international comparative study.
• Identify key methodological challenges in coordinating cross-national surveys, from instrument design and translation to sampling, data collection, data analysis and publication.
• Critically discuss how international comparisons reveal differences between countries, and explain how collaboration and participation in the SER community can support the continued development of research on young people’s relationships with S&T.

Glossary terms:
• ROSES
• Science education research
• Research design