Online details and registration are available at: http://www.pascal2007conf.pte.hu/index.htm

The aim of the conference is to review issues which have emerged from research and practice undertaken with a focus on the role of lifelong learning at the regional or city level whether it be with an economic or a social goal. The conference is designed to appeal to researchers, policy-makers and practitioners. On the one hand it invites researchers to examine contemporary research issues empirically, methodologically and theoretically; on the other it invites those whose primary concern is practice and its implementation to share their experiences with us. A number of leading figures from the international research and policy-making communities have been invited to provide an analysis of the issues emerging from research and practice. Papers from a wide range of researchers, policy-makers and practitioners will complement these keynote presentations. We are especially interested in papers that address a ‘community’ perspective. A number of ‘roundtable’ sessions will allow for debate and discussion on particular topics.

We invite contributions to roundtable discussions with the following three themes:

1. The role of lifelong learning in the modified Lisbon Strategy of the EU;
2. Learning regions and local and regional economic development and employability
3. The effectiveness of the learning region model in enhancing social cohesion

Within the broad theme of the learning city-region we invite traditional academic papers, policy and practice papers and demonstration projects, which will be grouped into sub-themes as follows:

• Interregional policy development
• Cross border partnerships and collaboration
• Managing networks and partnerships in the lifelong learning region
• The lifelong learning region as a tool for developing active citizenship
• Lifelong learning regions and social partnerships
• The role of ICT in developing social capital at regional level
• Learning needs of regional and municipal authorities and agencies
• Economic benefits and social stability in lifelong learning regions
• Profiting from the knowledge society at regional level
• The lifelong learning region as a complex system
• The academic development of adult education within the regions of the Central-European Association of Universities

ABSTRACTS SHOULD INDICATE:
The nature of the paper, for example, whether it is a report on completed research, work in progress, an analytical or discussion paper, a demonstration project of practice or a roundtable contribution. A roundtable proposal should consist of between three and five short contributions on one of three key themes listed above, whilst other proposals may be focussed on any of the eleven sub-themes above.

The issues the paper raises
The relationship of the paper to other literature, research, etc
The approach to the topic, and where relevant an outline of methodology, sample, etc
Conclusions and recommendations

Abstracts should not exceed 500 words. The working language for the conference is English. Abstracts must be submitted electronically (Rich Text Format or Microsoft Word) no later than Friday 30 March 2007.

Please send by e-mail to:
Prof. Balázs Németh
Faculty of Adult Education and Human Resources Development
University of Pécs
7633, Szántô Kovács 1/B.
Pécs, Hungary
e-mail: PASCAL2007conf@human.pte.hu

PROPOSALS MUST CLEARLY STATE:
The sub-theme for which the abstract is submitted
Full name(s), job title(s), place(s) of employment, postal, telephone, fax and e-mail address(es) of proposers

Abstracts will be reviewed and contributors will be notified regarding acceptance of their papers by Monday 30 April 2007.

Each paper will be allocated 35 minutes in duration. Presentations should be no longer than 25 minutes, leaving at least 10 minutes for discussion and questions.

Roundtables will be allocated 70 minutes. Completed papers should not exceed 4000 words. All published papers will have been subject to an anonymous, full refereeing process.

Deadline for submission of full papers is Monday 2 July 2007. Details of submission format will be circulated with acceptance of abstracts.