The Smithsonian and The George Washington University Partner to Further Scientific Research and Education
Jul 16, 2010
WASHINGTON—The Smithsonian Institution and The George Washington University announced a Memorandum of Understanding at a formal signing ceremony today, July 16. The partnership will allow both institutions, their scholars, scientists and researchers to begin working together to increase contributions to science, share their knowledge with the public, and engage in the development and education of future generations.
“I am very pleased to be signing this MOU between two great D.C. institutions, both with a long proud history in our nation’s capital, and more than a century of cooperative relationships between us,” said Wayne Clough, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. “This MOU lets us energize our relationship and establish additional partnerships with greater ease and flexibility, advancing research and education for another 100 years.”
Each institution will each contribute an equal amount of funding to develop additional collaboration. The details of this fund will be worked out in the coming months, but the goal is to provide initial support for various joint research projects. Through this MOU, they will explore ways to build on their existing relationships between the Smithsonian and The George Washington University’s departments of museum studies, biology, anthropology and American studies, and hopefully expand their partnership in new areas of mutual interest.
"This agreement builds on a century of partnership and will enhance the contribution both institutions make to the knowledge, education, and cultural enrichment of the American public and visitors to Washington from around the world," said GW President Steven Knapp.
The Smithsonian Institution
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex, consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. There are 6,000 Smithsonian employees and 6,500 volunteers. Approximately 30 million people from around the world visited the Smithsonian in 2009, with 188 million visits to the Smithsonian websites. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at 137 million.
The George Washington University
In the heart of the nation’s capital with additional programs in Virginia, The George Washington University was created by an Act of Congress in 1821. Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. The University offers comprehensive programs of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts study, as well as degree programs in medicine, public health, law, engineering, education, business and international affairs. Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of undergraduate, graduate and professional students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 130 countries.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Michelle Sherrard, GW - 202-994-1423 - mcs1@gwu.edu
John Gibbons, SI - 202-633-5187 - gibbonsjp@si.edu
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