Deutsche Tageszeitung - KUFOS Signs MoU With Old Dominion University to Expand Academic Ties

The Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, to expand academic and research collaboration between the two institutions. The agreement was executed by K. Dinesh, Registrar of KUFOS, and Luanne Bowman, Chief and Associate Vice-President for Academic Affairs at Old Dominion University.

The partnership draws on the shared maritime heritage of Kochi and Norfolk, two coastal cities connected by extensive waterways and strong historical ties. The two municipalities established a sister-city relationship in 2010 when their mayors signed an agreement designating Kochi as Norfolk’s eighth sister city. This new institutional accord seeks to translate that civic connection into formal academic engagement.

Under the terms of the MoU, the universities will pursue joint research initiatives, exchange academic materials and publications, and facilitate faculty visits for lectures and research purposes. The agreement also outlines provisions for student exchange programs, Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), online guest lectures, and participation in international academic conferences.

Officials noted that the common coastal environments of Kochi and Norfolk provide a natural foundation for cooperation in fisheries, ocean studies, marine biodiversity, and coastal ecosystem management. For KUFOS, the partnership represents an opportunity to broaden its global academic network and create avenues for international academic mobility and collaborative research.

(P.Hansen--DTZ)