Global Research Symposium 2023

The McDonnell International Scholars Academy convenes Global Research Symposia to explore and connect with its global partners on pressing issues of common concern.

McDonnell Academy Global Research Symposium

Forces Reshaping the World

October 5-7, 2023
Washington University in St. Louis

The global research symposium highlighted ongoing projects and outcomes in the areas of environmental research, social innovation, global health challenges, and digital transformation.

DISCOVER SYMPOSIUM HIGHLIGHTS

Stories from the Symposium

Uniting for impact: Spotlight on global research

November 7, 2023

McDonnell Academy Global Research Symposium Washington University in St. Louis hosted the 2023 McDonnell International Scholars Academy Global Research Symposium: Forces Reshaping the World Oct. 5-7, 2023. The 2023 Global Research Symposium, Forces Reshaping the World, convened collaborators from WashU and their international partners to explore pressing issues of common concern. The Symposium featured the […]

Embracing Cultural Awareness in Global Health Research

October 7, 2023

October 7, 2023 | Allison Martinez, McDonnell Scholar A small change can make a big difference. Mikhuna, a pilot clinical study in Ecuador, showed us the striking impact that a change in nutrition has on enhancing fetal growth and development. This is the result of the collaborative work of Lora Iannotti, professor at the Brown School […]

Inspired by materials, shapes, and humans: Digital transformation in our future

October 7, 2023

October 7, 2023 | Hsin-Yi Cindy Chou, McDonnell Scholar Can you imagine a computer made of only plastic pieces? Did you know a mug can actually be a donut? Have you ever tried to predict what would people do next by their actions? In the final session of Global Research Symposium: Forces Reshaping The World held on Oct. […]

Promoting Age Inclusivity

October 7, 2023

October 7, 2023 | Jorge Concha Tagle, McDonnell Scholar The Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging at the Institute for Public Health and the McDonnell International Scholars Academy hosted an engaging workshop aimed at advancing understanding and promoting age inclusivity. The Center, housed at Washington University in St. Louis, is at the forefront of addressing the […]

Breaking Down Boundaries for Interdisciplinary Collaboration

October 6, 2023

As diseases have no boundaries, interdisciplinary collaboration should not either October 6, 2023 | Ekua Mbrah Inkoom, McDonnell Scholar Professor Shanti Parikh began the Social Innovation session of the 2023 McDonnell International Scholars Academy Symposium on a strong note by asking, Are diseases creative and omnipresent, and why are we in siloed disciplines in academia? Our research, […]

This event has concluded.

McDonnell Academy Global Research Symposium

Forces Reshaping the World

We are excited to resume these important symposia events in-person. The McDonnell Academy Global Research Symposium, Forces Reshaping the World, will feature the work of seed grant awardees who have received funding from the McDonnell International Scholars Academy and our campus partners over the last three years in areas that align with Washington University’s “Here and Next” strategic plan. The event will focus on work in progress and project outcomes in the areas of environmental research, social innovation, global health challenges, and digital transformation.

To highlight the talent of graduate students at WashU and our international partners, a Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition will allow them to showcase their research and projects in the thematic areas for chance to win cash prizes.

The final sessions of the Symposium will be dedicated to workshops where all participants can engage in comprehensive discussions on topics related to our themes.

Symposium Keynote Speaker

Vice Admiral Frank D. Whitworth

Director, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency under Secretary of Defense & Director of National Intelligence

Vice Admiral Frank D. Whitworth will be our esteemed keynote speaker for the McDonnell Academy Global Research Symposium. With a distinguished career, including the current Director at the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA), Vice Admiral Whitworth’s invaluable insights at the intersection of global security and geospatial intelligence hold particular resonance for our community. His exceptional expertise will help foster engaging conversations and highlight the pivotal role of research and collaboration in shaping the future of geospatial innovation.

Frank Whitworth