Media releases

Australia and Mongolia agree to foster scientific exchange

23 February 2011

In a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, a formal agreement was signed today
for greater understanding and sharing of ideas between scientists in Australia and Mongolia.

The President of the Australian Academy of Science, Suzanne Cory and the President of the
Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Batbold Enkhtuvshin, met at Parliament House in Canberra
to sign the Memorandum of Understanding between the two Academies.

The Australian and Mongolian Academies first established a relationship through their work on
the InterAcademy Panel, the global network through which senior scientists share knowledge
to increase scientific understanding of critical global issues.

'The MoU formalises scientific linkages between our countries and in doing so will help
Australian and Mongolian scientists connect with one another,' Professor Cory said.

'It allows us to strengthen ties with Mongolian scientists by exchanging ideas and reviewing
collaborative opportunities in scientific fields of common interests, such as geology, water
resources and agriculture.'

The Mongolian Academy of Sciences joins 18 other international science organisations which
have formal relationships with the Australian Academy of Science.

'Increasingly, scientific progress and break-throughs are brought about by collaborative
international research,' Professor Cory said.

'Agreements such as these also help the Australian Academy of Science to provide broad
based advice to the Federal Government.'