Objective:
The purpose of this MOU is to strengthen the collaborations between the Participants in areas of mutual interest through cooperative research programs and exchanges. To this end, the Participants intend jointly to explore and coordinate research activities of mutual interest which are to be implemented by mutual understanding and in conformance with the regulations and policies of both Participants.

Approach:
The Participants recognize that cooperation is a matter of working together toward common goals of mutual interest, mutual understandings, and efficient administration of cooperative programs. Nothing in this broad understanding is to be construed as interfering in any way with the basic responsibilities and authority of either Participant for independent action. This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) defines in general terms the basis on which the Participants intend to cooperate. Individual research projects may be developed between the Participants, each of which will be memorialized in a separate written agreement signed by the Participants, which outline the specific research projects.