Dr Barbara Ischinger, Director of Education at the OECD, visited Melbourne recently to launch the report of the OECD Review of Higher Education Institutions and Regional and City Development in Victoria. This review was conducted in parallel with the PASCAL Universities and Regional Engagement (PURE) project in Melbourne.

In her presentation, Dr Ischinger spoke about the significance of higher education in the Victorian economy, and highlighted a range of opportunities for greater collaboration amongst universities. She drew attention to the potential contribution which could be made to the state’s development.

During her visit, Dr Ischinger also visited RMIT and met with Professor Gill Palmer, Acting Vice Chancellor, and other senior colleagues. The discussion encompassed a range of issues related to dual sector institutions and their contribution to skills formation. Bruce Wilson, European Union Centre Director and PASCAL Co-Director, facilitated her visit to RMIT.