The Department of Medical Psychology and Sociology at the University of Leipzig deals with a wide scope of scientific working fields. First of all, the conduction of representative surveys for the validation of psychometric instruments, the exploration of multiple research topics and the supply of reliable information about public opinion is a central part of our work. These Surveys basically contribute to an empirical foundation of the following research fields of our department: (1) epidemiologic research on mental disorders and bodily complaints, (2) development and validation of psychometric instruments, (3) health status and life conditions of care giving relatives, and (4) migration and health.