DARTMOUTH – The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School of Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) and the University of Sao Paolo Institute of Oceanography in Brazil signed an agreement Dec. 6 creating a dual doctorate program in oceanography and marine sciences.

Although faculties at the two universities have cooperated for years, this is the first partnership created under an umbrella agreement between the University of Sao Paolo and the five UMass campuses. It is the latest step in UMass Dartmouth’s effort to build a research and teaching bridge to South America.

In Brazil, the oil industry needs the science to determine the impact of deep-water oil drilling, while in Massachusetts the science guides strategy related to commercial fishing and off-shore energy, according to Robert L. Caret, UMass president. He said the agreement will open a new era of cooperation and collaboration between the universities. •