The University of Iowa (UI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the University of Cape Coast in Cape Coast, Ghana. This global partnership seeks to provide opportunities for students and faculty in the areas of teaching, learning, and research.

One goal of the MOU is to pursue a research collaboration focused on investigating the health effects associated with exposure to toxic heavy metals derived from mining activities. Jong Sung Kim, associate professor of occupational and environmental health and human toxicology in the UI College of Public Health, has established contacts with faculty at the University of Cape Coast. Dimy Doresca, associate professor of practice with the UI Tippie College of Business and director of the Institute for International Business, helped facilitate the connection between the two universities.

An MOU is a formal agreement to cooperate in a wide variety of possible activities, including joint educational, training and/or research activities; exchanges of scholars, faculty, research personnel, graduate students, and undergraduate students; exchange of information; and practical training. The existence of a formal MOU may help in securing funding for linkage activities or in receiving recognition from university officials and governmental organizations.  

For more information about this MOU and potential activities, please contact Sophie Switzer, Global Public Health Initiative administrator, UI College of Public Health, at sophie-switzer@uiowa.edu.