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. This collaborative agreement is one of successful follow-ups to celebration of the Czech Republic by Memphis in May 2018 festival that included number of industrial and academic engagement events.

"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 CAS and other Czech research institutions‘ representatives 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 the Czech Academy of Sciences, visit: http://www.avcr.cz/en/about-us/mission-of-the-cas/.

By University of Memphis