A formal agreement was signed today for greater understanding and sharing of ideas between scientists in Australia and Mongolia. The deal to foster scientific exchange was inked in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

The President of the Australian Academy of Science, Suzanne Cory and the President of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Batbold Enkhtuvshin, met at Parliament House in Canberra to sign the Memorandum of Understanding between the two Academies.

The Australian and Mongolian Academies first established a relationship through their work on the InterAcademy Panel, the global network through which senior scientists share knowledge to increase scientific understanding of critical global issues.

"The MoU formalises scientific linkages between our countries and in doing so will help Australian and Mongolian scientists connect with one another," Professor Cory said.

"It allows us to strengthen ties with Mongolian scientists by exchanging ideas and reviewing collaborative opportunities in scientific fields of common interests, such as geology, water resources and agriculture."

The Mongolian Academy of Sciences joins 18 other international science organisations which have formal relationships with the Australian Academy of Science.

"Increasingly, scientific progress and break-throughs are brought about by collaborative international research," Professor Cory said.

"Agreements such as these also help the Australian Academy of Science to provide broad based advice to the Federal Government."