PASCAL International Observatory
Europe Regional Hub: University of Glasgow, School of Education
The PASCAL International Observatory (est. 2001) is a global alliance of researchers, policy analysts, and practitioners from higher education, government, NGOs, and the private sector. It was created to support policy-makers in designing strategies for regional development that integrate economic efficiency, social equity, and environmental sustainability. PASCAL plays a critical role in bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical policy application.
The University of Glasgow (UofG) proudly hosts the European Regional Hub of PASCAL, currently led by the School of Education, and formerly directed by Professor Mike Osborne. Since taking on this role in 2012, UofG has been central to shaping international discourse and action in the field of learning city-regions.
PASCAL’s Global Network
PASCAL operates through five regional hubs:
- Europe – University of Glasgow (UofG)
- Australasia – Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)
- Africa – University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Southeast Asia & the Philippines – University of the Philippines
- North America – Rutgers University (RU)
These hubs support thematic networks and special interest groups focused on:
- Lifelong Learning
- Learning Societies
- Place Management and Place-Making
- Social Capital
- Learning Cities and Regions
Glasgow as a UNESCO Learning City
Glasgow’s recognition as the UK’s only UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) member in 2019 marked a key milestone in its commitment to lifelong learning, inclusion, and community engagement. The University of Glasgow’s PASCAL team played an instrumental role in supporting this designation, drawing on two decades of research and international collaboration.
The School of Education has been deeply involved in designing and evaluating place-based education strategies from early childhood through to adult and community learning. UofG’s work has significantly contributed to UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development agenda and influenced learning city policies worldwide.
Key contributions from UofG’s PASCAL Hub
- Development of metrics and indicators to evaluate stakeholder engagement in regional development
- Research into the role of higher education in addressing urban challenges
- Operationalising learning city frameworks for local and international use
- Fostering global knowledge exchange and academic-practitioner collaboration
Recent achievements and collaborations
In 2023, UofG’s contribution to Glasgow’s Learning City efforts was further acknowledged through a Glasgow City Council Learning City Award, recognising the university’s impact on inclusive and accessible education.
The PASCAL hub at UofG also:
- Contributed to the launch of the UK Learning Cities Network, led by Swansea
- Concluded the UNESCO Empowering Learning Cities in Africa and Asia project, under the leadership of Prof. Lido
- Helps shape global learning city policies through sustained research and partnership building
Looking ahead: vision and opportunities
The PASCAL Observatory at the University of Glasgow aims to:
- Serve as a platform for UofG staff to build international partnerships and global research impact
- Share technical expertise across disciplines such as STEM education, sustainability, and skills-based lifelong learning
- Develop and support international networks addressing inclusive urban and rural development
- Facilitate comparative research to inform educational and social policy across different global contexts
Anticipated initiatives
- Designing equitable lifelong learning pathways, particularly in STEM and sustainable careers
- Creating school-to-work transitions in the life sciences and social sciences
- Embedding sustainability education at all levels, including early childhood through outdoor labs and civic open labs
- Enhancing understanding of the role of social, economic, and cultural capital in learning city ecosystems
Team
- Catherine Lido (Professor of Psychology & Adult Learning, Director - European hub)
- Mike Osborne (Professor Emeritus - Chair Executive Committee)
- Rob Mark (Learning Cities Coordinator)
- Maggie McColl (Learning Cities Network Theme Lead - Cultural Heritage & Literacies)
- Ievgeniia Dragomirova (Research Fellow - Learning Cities Network)
- Chris Shepherd (Honorary Senior Research Fellow - Advisory Board member)
- Jim Conroy (Professor of Religious and Philosophical Education - Advisory Board Member)
- Peter Welsh (Honorary Professor - Director Ipsos UK - Advisory Board Member)
- John Tibbitt (Honorary Senior Research Fellow - Advisory Board member)
- Laura Sharp (Mental Health & Wellbeing - PASCAL Expert Associate)
- Gabriella Rodolico (Internationalisation Lead & PASCAL Expert Associate)
- Michael Burns (formerly Research & Innovation Office - PASCAL Expert Associate)
This page was run through ChatGPT to ensure it reflects the University of Glasgow’s enduring commitment to lifelong learning, global engagement, and evidence-based education policy - drawing upon existing resources demonstrating the PASCAL International Observatory’s central role in shaping more inclusive, sustainable, and knowledge-rich societies.
City and regional stakeholders, and academic researchers interested in affiliating with the PASCAL International Observatory should email: catherine.lido@glasgow.ac.uk