Mote signs into new partnership

Mote Marine Laboratory has a new partner.

On Aug. 3, Mote and the University of Guam Marine Laboratory leaders signed a memorandum of understanding, or a MOU, at Guam’s campus in Mangilao. Mote President and CEO Dr. Michael P. Crosby and University of Guam President Dr. Robert Underwood signed the memorandum. Scientists, students and faculty will benefit from the partnership as it will work at enhancing a combination of marine research and science education.

Under the referendum the two institutions will partner in teaching, introduce more students to coral reef science at Mote’s facility on Summerland Key and share research and education facilities and infrastructure. This partnership helps fulfill the missions and goals of both facilities.

In addition to these opportunities, a new research facility is being constructed on Mote’s Summerland Key property. This facility is projected to strengthen the organization’s scientific and educational infrastructure. This will allow it to expand research programs focusing on restoring damaged reefs.

According to a press release from Mote, the MOU sets the framework for collaboration between Mote and the University of Guam highlighting future plans such as collaborating in joint grant proposals and research activities, finding sponsorship from various local, national and international sources to support activities, exchange of research faculty, research and students and sharing and utilizing both institutions’ respective research infrastructure.