MOU – UVI & UPR

Universities of Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands sign “Historic” Memorandum of Understanding

On August 8, 2019, EDA Regional Director Linda Cruz-Carnall and Economic RSF Field Coordinator for Puerto Rico and USVI Juan Bauzá attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (facilitated by EDA) between the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) and the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI).

The MOU focuses on conducting investigations pertaining to strengthening resilience and sustainability in the event of a hurricane or other atmospheric event. The measure, supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), was designed to tackle the challenges that Caribbean islands face due to their geographically instilled proneness to devastating weather phenomena. The stated purpose of the MOU is “to enable the collaboration between the two institutions in furtherance of conducting joint and shared research in areas that are germane to the growth, development, resiliency, and sustainability of both institutions and surrounding communities.”

As part of the agreement, both university systems will collaborate on developing investigation proposals, projects for economic development, and transfer knowledge in areas of mutual interest that will bolster both academic institutions. Dr. Jorge Haddock, president of UPR, affirmed that this “historic alliance” will foster new opportunities for economic development in the region through the creation of academic and investigative projects with regard to renewable energy, innovation, and the development of resilient technology that can respond to the needs of these Caribbean islands.

The event took place at the University of Puerto Rico Molecular Science and Research Building in San Juan. UPR President Dr. Jorge Haddock-Acevedo signed the MOU on behalf of UPR, and UVI President Dr. David Hall signed the MOU on behalf of UVI. Areas of research may include, but are not limited to, ocean economy, economic resilience; hazard mitigation; health disparities; infectious tropical diseases and other areas stated in the MOU. In the opening remarks, Mr. Bauzá explained the role of EDA in facilitating the coming together of the universities, and Ms. Cruz-Carnall referred to the signing of the MOU as a “historic moment.” Dr. Hall, who has served as UVI’s president for 10 years, said the signing of the MOU was a “longtime dream” of his, and he also praised the role of EDA and the performance of Juan Bauzá after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Dr. Haddock stated that “residents of Puerto Rico and USVI must be resilient in order to survive.” Both presidents also stated they look forward to more student and faculty interaction between the two universities. After the signing of the MOU, Dr. Ana Guadalupe, representative of UPR and Director of the Molecular Science and Research Building, lead the attendees on a tour of the Molecular Science and Research Building, a state-of-the art facility designed to encourage collaborative research.