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 symposium will be held in person at Washington University in St. Louis. The events are free and open to the public, but registration is required.
View/Download Symposium Event Flyer
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.
The global research symposium will highlight ongoing projects and outcomes in the areas of environmental research, social innovation, global health challenges, and digital transformation.
Calling Graduate Innovators
3MT Competition
Showcasing graduate research and projects
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 the chance to win cash prizes.
Grand Prize: $2000
People’s Choice Prize: $1000
Uniting Excellence
The McDonnell International Scholars Academy is a catalyst for collaborative research across countries and disciplines. Through its seed grant initiatives, in the last three years the McDonnell Academv launched more than 65 new research proiects in 30 countries. The 2023 Global Research Symposium is a collaboration with the McDonnell International Scholars Academy, the Institute for Public Health, the Social Policy Institute, the Institute for Informatics, Data Science & Biostatistics, and the Office of the Provost at Washington University in St. Louis.
McDonnell Academy Seed Grants Initiative