GENERAL INFORMATION

The Aix-Marseille universities
A European centre opened on Europe

The Imperial University founded the Aix-Marseille academy in 1808: Law and Theology at Aix, Literature, Sciences and Medicine at Marseille.

In the early 70s, three universities were founded and structured, developing their activities in training and research on various sites. Currently, these establishments are based mainly in Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. Arles, Salon de Provence, La Ciotat, Dignes and Gap are further outside sites.

Founded in an area rich in art and culture, the three Aix-Marseille universities - the University of Provence, the Mediterranean University and the University of Law, Economics and Sciences of Aix-Marseille - have a prime purpose as a centre, both faithful to their Mediterranean heritage and open towards Europe. 70 000 students tutored by 3 000 Lecturer/Researchers and Researchers represent the potential of these universities. There has been a sustained diversification towards an increasing number of subjects, thus contributing to the creation of a centre of excellence in research and learning on a European scale.

This centre of research excellence is developed in 200 laboratories, mostly in partnership with big organisations (the National Centre for Scientific Research, the National Institute for Health and Medical Research, the Institute for Research and Development, the National Institute for Agronomic Research, the National Institute for Transports and their Security, the Atomic Energy Commissariat and the National Centre for Space Studies).

The three universities cover the subjects of Literature and Human Sciences (the University of Provence), Health, Sport and Economics (the Mediterranean University), Political and Legal Science, Applied Economics and Management (the University for Law, Economics and Sciences of Aix-Marseille). Precision Sciences (Mathematics, Information Technology, Mechanics, Physics, Chemistry, Astrophysics and Geographical and Environmental Sciences) are shared between the three establishments.

With regard to initial tuition, as well as the professional and specialist diplomas for the health sector, the Aix-Marseille universities offer a very wide choice of tuition in all the literary, legal and scientific aspects mentioned above.

They have put in place numerous multi-site tuition programmes. More widely, the universities are resolutely engaged in the construction of a European space for further teaching, through the LMD system - Degree, Masters and Doctorate.

Added to that is a strong potential in ongoing tuition. A system of validating experience acquired has been successfully implemented.

Finally, a very strong interest is manifest in outside tuition at a distance, through numeric campuses to which the universities are firmly committed, and through virtual structures.

With a wealth of multidisciplinary tuition channels, both fundamental and professional, from engineering colleges and teaching hospitals, the universities of Aix-Marseille have close links with the surrounding town councils: the City of Marseille and the Urban Community of "Marseille Provence Métropole", the City of Aix-en-Provence and the Urban Community of the Aix County, the Regional Council of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, the General Council of the Bouches-du-Rhône and partners in the local industrial network. Mindful that "know-how" is an economic asset and that innovation and creativity are important factors in local and regional development, the universities have an ambitious and concerted policy regarding the realisation of "know-how" and technology transfers. They strive to develop a deeper cooperation with the business world and local government, particularly by the creation of technology platforms, business incubators and development units (branches and subsidiaries).

The universities have an international dimension and a long tradition of openness towards scientific and technological nations, as well as countries around the Mediterranean, in their training and research activities.

The University of Provence, the Mediterranean University and the University of Law, Economics and Science of Aix-Marseille are honoured to host the EUA conference devoted to the development of partnerships between universities, local authorities and the socio-economic community.

The City of Marseille

The oldest and the second largest city in France (807 000 inhabitants), Marseille is a European and Mediterranean metropolis. The arrival of the TGV high speed train, the numerous cruise ships, the unprecedented tourist boom and the development of the Port and the Tax Free Zone are undisputed evidence of this status. The city and its surrounding townships are a "communauté urbaine", equipped and modern, welcoming and retaining knowledge, talents and capital. The progress of the "Euroméditerranée" project is revitalising the entire city structure.

An economic destination
As the capital of the third economic region of France and the first industrial and services centre in the south of France, the Phocaean city has undeniable assets: a geo-strategical location between Europe and the Mediterranean, a privileged quality of life and environment, a young, dynamic and creative population, and a long experience of international exchange. Marseille is now asserting itself as the major economic centre of the Mediterranean area.

Innovating projects
The "Euroméditerranée" programme: This operation of national interest aims at providing France with a central metropolis between Europe and the Mediterranean. The priority is a strategy of economic development. Its concrete achievements are an office programme already realized in the Docks area, a privileged place for information and communication industries, large city planning projects or the Multimodal Transport Platform of Saint-Charles with the arrival of the TGV high speed train in the heart of "Euroméditerranée".

The large city planning project: The Urban Tax Free Zone, located in the centre of the northern districts of Marseille, has allowed a real economic revival and a thorough change of image. Four years after its creation, the Urban Tax Free Zone has 6 800 jobs, created by the arrival of 1 556 companies.

The city centre project: In order to stabilize its regained attractivity, Marseille is dedicated to a thorough rehabilitation of the old quarters and the city centre, as well as the creation of facilities supporting university and cultural life and the development of commercial activity.

Culture and sport: abundant resources
Marseille, a multicultural city, has quickly provided the necessary infrastructure to create 100 000 m2 of supplementary cultural space over the next three years, for example the new municipal library. With its 25 theatres, the Opera, the concert hall "Le Dôme", the International Dance School and the National Ballet of Marie-Claude Piétragalla, Marseille is one of the most cultured cities of France.

In Marseille, sport has always been much more than a pastime, it is a true passion. More than 50 sports are played regularly by 200 000 sport fans of Marseille. The Stade Velodrome has 60 000 seats and is called "the temple of French soccer".
40% of the territory of Marseille is reserved as a natural area by the sea, a highly popular area for diving, fishing, sailing and climbing.

For more information on the City of Marseille, please visit: www.marseille-tourisme.com

Weather

The inhabitants of Marseille enjoy sunshine and pleasant temperatures all year round. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate, making it one of the driest regions in France. A very cold dry north westerly wind called "Le Mistral" blows on average 107 days per year.

The weather in Marseille in April is changeable. Therefore, it is best to pack some warm clothes, an umbrella and/or raincoat.

More information is available from www.meteo.fr

Entry regulations and visas

Citizens from countries outside of the European Union will need a valid passport (it is however recommended that citizens from the European Union travel with a valid passport, too, since not all ID cards are accepted). In addition, according to your citizenship, a visa may be required.
If you have any concerns regarding entry regulations or if a visa is needed, please contact the French Consulate or Embassy in your home country as soon as possible:
www.embassyworld.com

The conference secretariat can provide you with a personalised invitation letter to the conference, to help you with your application.

Air France special conditions

Air France is the Official Carrier for the event and offers special fares to all conference participants.

Please take advantage of the Official Carrier Agreement:

Reference to be quoted: AXZE SE 34470 Validity from 29/03/2004 to 05/04/2004 For Air France Offices: discount registered on GGAIRAFEVENTNEGO
- On international routes Air France offices and call centres throughout the world will offer preferential fares from your country of departure. Appropriate published fares from French overseas departments and territories apply. For your nearest Air France office and call centre, please visit: www.airfrance.com - On the domestic network within continental France This original document will entitle you to a reduction of up to 45% on the regular full fare in economy class for a round trip journey (subject to conditions) on the Air France continental domestic network for this event. To book your electronic ticket, please contact the Air France call centre from within France 0 820 820 820, or your nearest Air France office (www.airfrance.com) Members of partner carrier's loyalty programme will receive miles on their programme when using Air France flights. Details are to be checked with your Air France office.

Travel and local transport

Getting to Marseille by plane
Marseille-Provence Airport
www.marseille-provence.aeroport.fr
European cities that have flights to Marseille are Amsterdam, Basle-Mulhouse, Brussels, Frankfurt, Koln, Lisbon, London (Gatwick), Madrid, Milan, Munich, Porto and Rome.

The taxi ride from Marseille-Provence Airport to the city centre takes approximately 30 minutes and costs roughly 40 €.

Shuttle bus service between
Marseille-Provence Airport and Gare St Charles (station)
There is a shuttle bus service between Marseille-Provence Airport and Gare St Charles. The journey takes 30 minutes and costs 8.50 €. Tickets can be bought from the ticket office at the bus station.
Schedules:
- From the airport to the railway station, departures are every 20 minutes from 6.10 to 22.50 hours. For more information, please call +33-4-91505934. - From the railway station to the airport, departures are every 20 minutes, from 5.30 to 21.50 hours. For more information, please call +33-4-42143127.

Getting to Marseille by train
SNCF Gare St-Charles (St Charles Railway Station)
www.sncf.com
There are 12 daily TGV high-speed trains from Paris Gare de Lyon to Marseille. The journey takes 3 hours. Please consult the SNCF website for detailed schedules.

Getting to Marseille by car
There are 3 motorways that go directly to the city:
- From the north motorway (A7) towards the airport, Lyon and Aix-en-Provence; exit at St Charles station, Porte d'Aix
- From the coastal motorway (A55) towards the airport, Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, Fos and Barcelona; exit at Joliette, "Vieux Port" (Old Harbour)
- From the east motorway (A50) towards Toulon, Aix-en-Provence, Nice, Genoa; nearest exit at place Castellane, "Rond Point du Prado".
The "Prado Carénage Tunnel" connects the north coastline motorway (A55) to the east motorway (A50).

Inner-city transport
Metro / Bus:
RTM is the Marseille public transport company.
Tel.: +33-4-91919210 (Monday to Friday: from 7.00 to 18.00 hours - Saturday: from 9.00 to 17.30 hours)
www.rtm.fr
Each bus route has a different schedule. For detailed schedules, you can call RTM or visit the RTM website.
The metro operates from 5.00 to 21.00 hours, then the "fluobus" (night bus) takes over from the metro until at least 0.45 hours.
Tickets can be bought at automatic distributors or sales points marked with the RTM logo. The price for a single ticket is 1.50 €.

Taxis:
Marseille Taxis:   Tel.: +33-4-91022020
Taxis Tupp:        Tel.: +33-4-91058080
Taxis Plus:          Tel.: +33-4-91036003

Most taxis accept credit cards. However, it is recommended that you bring some cash with you.

Accommodation

Atout Organisation Science (AOS) is the conference agency handling accommodation reservations.

As April is an extremely busy period in Marseille, a large number of hotels has been selected to accommodate participants. Rooms have been reserved from 31st March till 4th April in several hotels at different price categories in Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. AOS has made arrangements to get the best discounts. Rooms will be allocated on a " first come - first served " basis. Please reserve your accommodation early to avoid disappointment!

Reservation:
You will be invited to access and complete an on-line hotel reservation form as soon as EUA has confirmed that you are registered for the conference. When you have completed the form, AOS will send you the confirmation of your hotel booking by e-mail.

Payment:
Upon completing the on-line hotel reservation form, you will be requested to arrange payment for your hotel accommodation, preferably by credit card (secure on-line form). Reservations will only be guaranteed upon receipt of a deposit corresponding to one hotel night + a 12 € booking fee per room. All hotel accommodation expenses must be paid for upon departure; the deposit will be deducted from the final hotel bill.

Changes, deadline and cancellation policy:
All cancellations or changes must be received in writing by AOS before 29 February 2004. Please contact AOS by e-mail: eua@atout-org.com or by fax: +33-4-96151251 to make any changes to your hotel booking. If you arrive after 19.00 hours, please inform the hotel or AOS at least 24 hours in advance.
For cancellations received before 29 February 2004, only the 12 euros for booking fee will be retained. If you cancel your accommodation after 29 February 2004, no refund will be possible.

Transportation:
During the conference, transportation from and to all hotels will be provided in the morning and in the evening to and from the conference venue, as well as for the social events. A bus timetable schedule will be available at your hotel reception and at the conference registration desk.

Hotels in Marseille

1. Hotel Alizé **
   www.alize-hotel.com
   This 2-star hotel is a 18th century stone building, located on the Old Harbour, right next to restaurants, the Opera, the theatre, public car parks and the metro. It has been entirely renovated. All bedrooms are air-conditioned, sound-proofed, with bathroom, telephone and television.
   It is a 15-minute walk to the conference venue.
   The taxi ride from the airport to the hotel takes approximately 30 minutes and costs roughly 40 €.
2. Hotel Péron **
   www.hotel-peron.com
   This family hotel, created in 1925, is located by the sea, with a view on the "Château d'If". Bedrooms are simple. However, each room is painted in a different theme, giving a unique atmosphere. They are sound-proofed, with shower, telephone and television.
   It is a 10-minute walk to the conference venue.
   The taxi ride from the airport to the hotel takes approximately 35 minutes and costs roughly 40 €.
3. Hotel Best Western Bonneveine ***
   www.bestwesternbonneveine.com
   This 3-star hotel is situated in the heart of the business and the commercial centre of Bonneveine, in front of the Provençal market and close to the sea. All 69 bedrooms are air-conditioned, with bathroom, telephone, mini bar and television. The hotel has a bar and its own restaurant.
   It is a 20-minute drive to the conference venue.
   The taxi ride from the airport to the hotel takes approximately 60 minutes and costs roughly 55 €.
4. Hotel Mercure Prado ***
   www.mercure.com/mercure/fichehotel/gb/mer/3004/fiche_hotel.shtml
   This 3-star hotel is located a few steps away from the Prado beach. It has fully refurbished air-conditioned rooms, with hairdryer in bathroom, telephone, internet connection, mini bar, radio and television. The hotel has a bar and public indoor parking.
   It is a 20-minute drive to the conference venue.
   The taxi ride from the airport to the hotel takes approximately 50 minutes and costs roughly 50 €.
5. Hotel Mercure Euro Centre ***
   www.mercure.com/mercure/fichehotel/gb/mer/1148/fiche_hotel.shtml
   This 3-star hotel is located in the city centre, 500 m from the Old Harbour and the "Canebière". It has been fully renovated. Bedrooms are air-conditioned, with hairdryer in bathroom, telephone, mini bar and television. The hotel has a bar, a restaurant, private indoor parking and a self-service business centre.
   It is a 20-minute walk to the conference venue.
   The taxi ride from the airport to the hotel takes approximately 30 minutes and costs roughly 40 €.
6. Hotel Mascotte ***
   www.hotel-sofibra.com
   This 3-star hotel is situated on the "Canebière" facing the Old Harbour in the heart of the touristic, cultural and commercial quarters. It has 45 comfortable, soundproofed and air-conditioned rooms, with hairdryer in bathroom, telephone, mini bar and television. Paying car park and restaurant facilities are nearby.
   It is a 20-minute walk to the conference venue.
   The taxi ride from the airport to the hotel takes approximately 30 minutes and costs roughly 40 €.
7. Residence du Vieux Port ***
   www.hotelmarseille.com
   Standing on the Old Harbour of Marseille, this 40 rooms hotel offers a panoramic view of "Notre Dame de la Garde" Basilica perched above, St Victor Abbey and the picturesque Ferry-Boat. Full of charm and entirely renewed, all rooms are comfortable, soundproofed, air-conditioned, with safe deposit box, hairdryer in bathroom, telephone, mini bar and television. Restaurant facilities and public car parks are nearby.
   It is a 20-minute walk to the conference venue.
   The taxi ride from the airport to the hotel takes approximately 30 minutes and costs roughly 40 €.
8. Résid'hôtel Perier ***
   www.residhotel.com
   This 3-star residence hotel is situated in the business centre of Prado. It proposes studios for 2 persons and 2-rooms flats for 4 persons, some with terrace and others with balcony. All studios and flats have a kitchenette, are soundproofed, air-conditioned, with hairdryer in bathroom, telephone, internet connection and television. The hotel offers a breakfast service and there is a choice of restaurants in the local area.
   It is a 20-minute walk to the conference venue.
   The taxi ride from the airport to the hotel takes approximately 45 minutes and costs roughly 50 €.
9. Hotel Sofitel Palm Beach ****
   www.sofitel.com/sofitel/fichehotel/gb/sof/3485/fiche_hotel.shtml
   This luxury hotel, built by the sea, right on the "Corniche", benefits from a unique view of the "Baie du Prado". All 150 rooms and 10 suites are with sea view. They are air-conditioned, with safe deposit box, hairdryer and phone in bathroom, telephone, voice-mail, internet connection, mini bar, radio and television. The hotel has a bar, a restaurant, a private outdoor and indoor parking. The hotel also has a business centre, a relaxation area, a fitness centre and a jogging course.
   It is a 20-minute drive to the conference venue.
   The taxi ride from the airport to the hotel takes approximately 45 minutes and costs roughly 50 €.

Hotel in Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is 30 km away from Marseille. Well known for its historic and cultural heritage, Aix-en-Provence attracts every year many visitors coming from all over the world. Ancient capital of Provence, it is one of the most beautiful towns of France for art. Cultural town by excellence, it is also a home of arts schools and several universities, attracting a youthful population that sparks the atmosphere.

For more information on Aix-en-Provence, go to www.aixenprovencetourism.com

Aix-Arbois is the Aix Railway Station, with over 50 high-speed TGV trains daily connected with major European centres such as London, Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris. For train information, go to www.tgv.com/mediterranee/index.js.

10. Grand Hôtel Roi René ****
    www.hotelaix.com
    Located in Aix-en-Provence, close to the "Fontaine des 4 Dauphins" in the historical downtown, the Grand Hotel Roi René was Sir Winston Churchill's favourite residence when staying in Provence. This recently renovated hotel offers 130 guestrooms and several suites, most overlooking the open-air garden atrium for calm and tranquility. The guestrooms are all luxuriously designed for comfort and enjoyment: they are air-conditioned, with hairdryer in bathroom, telephone, internet connection, mini bar, radio and television. The hotel has 2 restaurants.
    It is a 45-minute drive to the conference venue.
    The taxi ride from the airport to the hotel takes approximately 30 minutes and costs roughly 50 €.
    From St Charles Railway Station, it takes 45 minutes by coach shuttle and a single ticket costs 4.20 €. Tickets can be bought at the coach station near the railway station.

Transportation from Aix to Marseille:
During the conference, transportation will be provided for participants choosing to stay in Aix. On Friday and Saturday, buses will be organised to and from the conference venue. Buses will also be arranged for the evening social events. Please note that on Friday evening, due to the tight programme, it will not be possible for participants to go back to the hotel before the gala dinner.

Prices
All rates quoted are in €, per room per night. They include breakfast and taxes, but not personal extras. All extra services in hotels such as telephone calls, room-service, mini bar, etc. should be paid directly to the hotel upon check-out.

Conference secretariat and registration desk

During the conference, the conference secretariat and registration desk for the participants will be open as follows:

Participants and companions will receive all conference materials and other relevant information upon registration.

Before and after the conference, the conference secretariat can be reached at the following address:

Working language

English will be the working language of the conference. Interpretation (French-English & English-French) will be provided during the plenary sessions.