The Mediterranean demographic observatory is made up of professor-researchers and researchers who develop research on population questions in the Mediterranean. Both international and multidisciplinary (demographics, geography, sociology and statistics), the team seeks to integrate both spatial and temporal dimensions into demographic analyses. This approach offers a new interpretation of demographic indicators by revealing the various spatial organisations of social phenomena.
Since 2010, the observatory has operated as a specific program for the Mediterranean Social Science Center (MMSH) in Aix-en-Provence, in partnership with "La Sapienza" University (Rome, Italy), the Complutense University (Madrid, Spain), the University of Thessaly (Volos, Greece), the "Social Research Center" of the American University of Cairo (Egypt), the Department of Geography of the University of Zadar (Croatia) and the Futuribles International Association (Paris).
As well as its scientific output, the Mediterranean demographic observatory aims to share its knowledge and data with an audience beyond the academic setting. The Internet portal and database are innovative tools for researchers and civil society stakeholders who wish to learn about Mediterranean populations. By providing publications, documentary resources and demographic and cartographic data harmonised at a pan-Euro-Mediterranean level, our teams are able to anticipate and respond to requests from the political world and civil society about population questions in the Mediterranean and their impact and interactions with the European Union's concerns. Indeed, as they affect numerous dimensions of socio-economic life, population questions are critical in anticipating our societies’ future challenges and in defining appropriate supporting policies. This project is developing a multi-disciplinary network of institutions and individuals who, by pooling their expertise, can make these diagnoses, conduct such analyses and ensure they are disseminated widely.
The observatory pays special attention to training for research and through research. We therefore welcome bachelor degree students by offering tutoring internships and providing advice for applications and dissertations. Furthermore, we support young future researchers (Masters, PhDs) by integrating them into the dynamic of the research team (publications, conferences, contracts etc.) and rewarding their work.
The observatory is working with local authorities on specific local demographics projects (analysis of mobility, demographic forecasting etc.).
Methodological investigation and innovation are at the heart of the observatory's approach. This translates, on one hand, into the development of specific digital interfaces for the sharing of data and knowledge (partnerships with programmers, for example). On the other hand, it emerges as advances in basic research on research tools and methods (for example, mathematical problems with statisticians). This work is accompanied by particular consideration of the use of digital humanities in the domain of demographics and geography (through participation in the creation of the french Revue d'Etude des Populations).
