The expansion of PASCAL International Observatory this Spring is an opportunity to strengthen the links among the universities that host PASCAL Centres, clarifying their roles and responsibilities.  This process, which could take several months, may take the form of a new memorandum, superseding previous agreements exchanged among the host institutions.

The aim is to have a ceremonial signing at the June 2016 conference in Glasgow.  In the interim, the Memorandum of Understaning (MOU) between the University of Glasgow and Monterrey Institute of Technology will provide for PASCAL's governance with clear accountability consistent with PASCAL's purposes and the non-profit status of institutions of higher learning in different jurisdictions.  According to this agreement, all our Associates are now automatically members for the next year; they have been encouraged to participate in one of the new Special Interest Groups (SIGs), details of which will be announced shortly. 

We have now some 50 Associates. Nominations for further Associates to add to the pool of expertise should be addressed to John Tibbitt, Director of Policy for PASCAL.