Michael Kanders was part of the network from the start of the German National Educational Panel Study (NEPS) as project leader of Stage 4 "From Lower to Upper Secondary School" until his well-deserved retirement and continued to provide advice and support thereafter.

The first Principal Investigator of the NEPS, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Hans-Peter Blossfeld, paid tribute to his great commitment with the following words: "We have had many years of excellent cooperation with Mr. Kanders in NEPS and have done a lot of groundwork. His contributions as project leader of Stage 4 were always highly competent and knowledgeable. He was very motivated and his work clearly contributed to the success of the establishment of the NEPS and its current status as an important scientific institution with a high reputation. I still remember his kind manner and authoritative contributions in countless meetings. He could always be counted on when it mattered. We always knew him as a very cheerful and friendly colleague. We will miss him sorely. To the his family, we extend our sympathy and heartfelt condolences."