University of Memphis First-in-the-Nation to Sign International Research Collaboration Agreement with Czech Academy of Sciences

October 25, 2018 - The University of Memphis was the first institution in the U.S. to enter into a Research Collaboration Agreement with the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) at a formal signing ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 25 in the FedEx Institute of Technology. Comprised of 54 research institutions, the CAS is responsible for leading research in the Czech Republic across a range of natural, technical, social sciences and humanities topics.

"Internationalization of our research portfolio is a key strategic priority for us as we move rapidly toward the highest research classification in the Carnegie system," said UofM President M. David Rudd. "Strong partnerships like this with the Czech Academic of Sciences will allow us to leverage research funding on both sides of the Atlantic based on our respective strengths."

Like the UofM, the CAS is focused on globalizing its research reach and impact, and both institutions are pursuing partnerships with leading research organizations around the world.

The agreement will pave the way for more robust and meaningful interactions among research faculty and students in areas of mutual interest with the goal of developing high-impact, grant-funded projects. The partnership is an outgrowth of efforts initiated earlier this year and is expected to significantly enhance the UofM's research and innovation profile in the European Union.

Rudd, along with UofM Provost Karen Weddle-West and executive vice president for Research and Innovation Jasbir Dhaliwal, joined CAS President Eva Zazimalova for the public signing ceremony. The two dozen CAS Research Institute directors and scholars involved in the visit are pursuing collaboration in diverse areas of bioscience, transportation, cybersecurity, sensors, big data and machine learning, Egyptology, criminal justice, earthquakes, financial infrastructure security, mobile health and addiction.

For more information on this partnership, contact research@memphis.edu.

For more information on the Czech Academy of Sciences, visit: http://www.avcr.cz/en/about-us/mission-of-the-cas/.

CONTACT

Mary Ann Dawson | 901.678.1592 l mdawson@memphis.edu