The 10th PASCAL International Observatory  Conference: "The role of Higher Education in local and regional social and economical development" will be held on 29, 30, 31 October 2012 in Brest, France with the support of: Université Bretagne Occidentale, European University of Brittany, Brest Métropôle Océane, Conseil general du Finistère, Région Bretagne and the CEREQ centre de Rennes.

The overall theme for this conference is the role of Higher Education in local and regional social and economic development. In this time of global crisis, we can observe that national government, international organisations and multi-national companies all are unable to propose sustainable solutions for human development as it relates to adequate and equitable access to health, food, security, education, and even culture. The first objective of this conference is to examine the role of Higher Education and of highly educated individuals in a context of economic crisis with high levels of unemployment, especially for young people. The second objective is to examine best practice in these areas from regional and local cooperation between Higher Education Institutions and local stakehoders.

The conference will provide opportunities to discuss various sub-topics such as the role of Higher Education Institutions in remote regions, ageing populations and regional development (health and well being) and the contributions from universities in a time of crisis. The workshops will have a cross-cutting vision within three domains: innovation, the internationalisation and inclusion.

Further details about the conference including topics and deadlines for submissions of abstracts and for registration are available on the UBO web site.