Brasilia, November 25, 2020: Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations, represented by Minister Marcos Cesar Pontes, and the Smithsonian Institution, represented by the Acting Under Secretary, Roger Brissenden, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Wednesday, November 25, 2020. The virtual signing of the MOU underscored the two institutions’ shared efforts to advance scientific research and education in Brazil. The MOU reaffirms the long-standing partnership and builds on the previous MOU between the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations and the Smithsonian Institution signed in 1984.
“This MOU on scientific research and education will enhance the quality of teaching by bringing cutting-edge STEM concepts and current tools into Brazilian classrooms. We are happy to see the cooperation between the two institutions to preserve Brazil’s culture and heritage. We will continue to ensure we tell the stories of our past while creating a bold vision for our future,” said Ambassador Todd Chapman.
“This international collaboration will help strengthen our dedicated efforts to advance research and science education for the next generation. I am sure that this partnership will strengthen Brazilian actions in attracting young talent to careers in science and technology. In addition, we are sure that the museums of the MCTI, the Museum of Astronomy and Related Sciences and the Emilio Goeldi Museum and the Smithsonian Institute will be able to establish new joint research and education projects.”, said Minister Marcos Pontes.
“Today’s signing brings together the Smithsonian with our Brazilian partners to reinforce our shared commitment to scientific and cultural exchange,” said the acting undersecretary for Science and Research at the Smithsonian, Roger Brissenden.
The MOU will identify opportunities for science, technology, engineering, and math (“STEM”) education in Brazil, including leadership and teacher professional development, using the Smithsonian curriculum and resources; share experiences and expertise around the preservation, management and dissemination of cultural heritage, models of museum administration and financing and programs of community engagement and education utilizing museum collections; conduct exchanges and professional training for the conservation and restoration; to facilitate technical and scientific research cooperation and collaboration between the Smithsonian and institutions under MCTI’s administration, including Instituto Nacional da Mata Atlântica (INMA), Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), and Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG); and to support cooperation among the institutions and government entities in areas related to scientific research, collections, conservation and support of biodiversity, preservation of species, science education, art and culture, cultural preservation and sustainability, exploration of common history, scientific and professional exchanges, and collection and digitization of shared collections and archives.
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For further information on this Press Release, please contact the U.S. Embassy Press Office in Brasília at BrasiliaEMBEUA@state.gov or on (+55 61) 3312 – 7367 / 7350 / 7364. Follow us on Twitter and Flickr.
