Agreements
Memorandum of Understanding between the National Science Foundation and “Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo” to support the Programs Dimensions of Biodiversity and BIOTA/FA Versão em português
Statement of Intent and Scope of this Document
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes the terms under which the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) intend to develop activities in partnership between the research programs Dimensions of Biodiversity and BIOTA/FAPESP, as well as for their associated infrastructure.
Competency of the signatories
NSF is acting pursuant to the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended, 42 USC 1861 et seq. This Implementation Framework for Dimensions of Biodiversity is covered under the “Agreement between the United States and Brazil Relating to Cooperation in Science and Technology”. That Agreement was signed February 6, 1984 and entered into force May 15, 1986. The Agreement was amended and extended March 21, 1994 and entered into force January 30, 1996. The Agreement is automatically renewed for 5-year periods.
FAPESP is acting pursuant to its bylaws of 1962, as stated in the Decree Nº 40.132, from May, 23, 1962.
These authorizations for the organizations, together with the internal policies and procedures of each, define the competency of these organizations to enter into this Memorandum of Understanding.
Program Title: Dimensions of Biodiversity & BIOTA/FAPESP
Synopsis of Program:
In 2010, the U.S. NSF initiated a 10-year campaign to characterize the dimensions of biodiversity on Earth by using innovative approaches that meaningfully expand understanding of the diversity of life. This campaign calls for a rapid and coordinated response with investments in research, cyberinfrastructure, workforce, collections, and synthesis.
In 2009 FAPESP renewed for another 10 years the BIOTA/FAPESP Program, aiming to coordinate investments to combine biodiversity research, personnel training, bioprospection and public policy impact. The program’s scope covers terrestrial, fresh water and marine ecosystems, ranging from metagenomics and DNA bar-coding to landscape ecology and the human dimensions of biodiversity conservation, restoration, and sustainable use.
Activities of the signatories:
Following on their productive conversations in Brazil in November 2010, NSF Biological Sciences Directorate and FAPESP’s Scientific Directorate intend to develop partnerships with each other specifically to address activities within or related to the Dimensions of Biodiversity Program and the BIOTA/FAPESP Program. Any such partnerships are to be described in a written agreement, such as a memorandum, management plan, or other type of document appropriate to the activity, signed by both signatories. Activities under these partnerships may include, but are not limited to: joint research solicitations, joint workshops, digitization of biological collections, training of undergraduate and graduate students and other activities that would involve providing supplementary funding to existing awards under the rules of both signatories.
Understanding between the signatories
Differences related to the interpretation or application of this Memorandum of Understanding should be resolved by mutual agreement.
Duration, Modification, and Termination
Cooperation under this Memorandum of Understanding starts on the date of the last signature of this document for a period of 10 years. The signatories can modify this Memorandum of Understanding by mutual written consent. This Memorandum of Understanding can be discontinued by mutual written consent of both signatories or by either signatory at any time, but the signatory should endeavor to provide 90 days advance written notice of discontinuation to the other signatory.
MOU signed on 19 December 2011.