11 January 2013: The UN University (UNU) and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) through which they will collaborate to promote knowledge, research and postgraduate training on coastal and marine resources management, safe water provisioning and water health, with a particular focus on developing country challenges.

SAMS is the first marine research institute to become an UNU associated institution. Commenting on the MOU, Laurence Mee, SAMS Director, welcomed the collaboration as an “opportunity to help develop a new cadre of scientists across the world who are keen to develop science for sustainable use of the marine environment.” Konrad Osterwalder, UNU Rector, welcomed the alliance “to foster research and education in water-related topics, especially the connection between water and safety [and] water and health.” The MOU was signed at UNU headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.

SAMS is an independent institution with 126-years of experience in research, education and outreach. It aims to increase knowledge and stewardship of the marine environment. UNU and SAMS have previously collaborated on projects, including on large marine ecosystems (LMEs) and open ocean ecosystems, as well as on 200 International Waters (IW) projects implemented by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). [UNU Press Release]