Mystic Aquarium and the University of Connecticut on Thursday announced the further advancement of their ongoing collaboration.

With a shared common interest in maintaining marine biodiversity, these two nonprofits will continue to work together to further stewardship of marine ecosystems, populations and species locally and globally, the two institutions said in a news release.

“It is our goal through this mutual cooperation to benefit not only the state of Connecticut, but the marine ecosystems globally, through education and research for improving the health and the sustainable use of marine ecosystems and natural resources,” said Joseph Madaus, the interim director of the UConn Avery Point campus in Groton. “We are also very excited about the multiple opportunities that this collaboration will create for our students and faculty.”

This collaboration also serves to bolster the Marine Sciences Department at Avery Point.

Mystic Aquarium’s research scientists Paul Anderson, Maureen Driscoll, Laura Thompson and Ebru Unal have been appointed as assistant professors in residence.

Tracy Romano, chief scientist and vice president of research at Mystic Aquarium, has been named a professor in residence. Peter Auster is a senior scientist and professor emeritus at UConn and continues to share a formal appointment with both UConn and Mystic Aquarium.

Recently, Mystic Aquarium temporarily relocated its research operations to Avery Point to expand common research, fortify collaboration, and further develop educational and public programming all to foster results, the news release said.

The collaborative interests will include research on Long Island Sound and the local marine environment, aquatic animal health and ecosystems as well as on oceans and human health.

Specifically, the research will focus on conservation and sustainable use of the local and global marine environment, marine mammals and other aquatic species.

“Conservation, education and research are the cornerstones of our mission,” Romano said. “This collaboration allows us to advance every aspect. We fully anticipate that this collaboration will result in the advancement of education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and movement in marine conservation and policy through public outreach, special public event days, seminars and other means.”

To foster further advancement and professional development, Mystic Aquarium will expand the existing undergraduate internship programming with UConn in the areas of research, animal husbandry and water quality, education, conservation, and marketing, providing unique educational opportunities at the aquarium for UConn students. The program will also include special courses and presentations and expand public outreach and informal educational activities suitable for all ages.