Kochi: Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Old Dominion University (ODU), based in Norfolk, Virginia, USA, to strengthen international academic collaboration and research partnerships.The agreement envisages joint research activities, exchange of academic materials and publications, faculty visits for research and lectures, and student exchange programmes. It also provides for collaborative online international learning initiatives, online guest lectures and participation in international academic conferences.According to Kufos officials, the partnership builds on the existing ties between Kochi and Norfolk, which share similarities in their maritime character, waterways and coastal geography. Kochi became Norfolk’s eighth sister city under an agreement signed by the mayors of the two cities in 2010.As part of the initiative, ODU representatives visited the Kufos campus in July.