A Legacy of Interdisciplinary Collaboration
WashU’s McDonnell International Scholars Academy has been committed to fostering global collaboration and addressing pressing world issues.
The series of International Symposia held between 2007 and 2014 epitomized this mission, offering a platform for scholars, policymakers, and experts from myriad disciplines to converge, share insights, and forge partnerships. Throughout these years, the McDonnell Academy International Symposia have not only highlighted critical global issues but also exemplified the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. These gatherings have nurtured a community of scholars dedicated to addressing the complex challenges of our time through research, innovation, and mutual understanding.
May 2007: 1st International Symposium on Energy and Environment
Washington University in St. Louis
The inaugural symposium set the stage for future gatherings by focusing on the growing concerns surrounding energy and environmental sustainability.
2007 By the Numbers
175
Attendees
51
International representatives
21
International
universities
The discussions revolved around sustainable energy practices, environmental protection, and the critical role of academic institutions in driving forward-thinking solutions.
Dec 2008: 2nd International Symposium on Energy and Environment
Hong Kong
Building on the foundation laid by the first symposium, the second event in Hong Kong continued to focus on energy and environmental issues, but with a particular emphasis on energy, environmental and sustainability research, education, and operations.
2008 By the Numbers
225
Attendees
115
International representatives
25
International universities
14
Collaborative research projects
This symposium funded 14 collaborative research projects, underscoring the commitment to international partnerships and shared knowledge by collectively identifying and collaboratively tackling important global energy and environmental challenges in an integrated and holistic manner.
Oct 2010: 3rd International Symposium on Global Energy Future
Washington University in St. Louis
The third symposium expanded the dialogue to a global scale, addressing the future of energy on an international level. Held at Washington University in St. Louis, the event saw a significant increase in participation.
2010 By the Numbers
325
Attendees
66
International representatives
26
International universities
19
Funded research projects
One objective of the symposium was to assess the world’s future energy needs and to evaluate the ability of the available resources to meet those needs. Another was to identify research opportunities that might reduce carbon dioxide emission, improve efficiency of energy utilization or lead to more rapid deployment of renewable energy sources.
Dec 2012: 4th International Symposium on Energy and Environment
Mumbai, India
In Mumbai, the fourth symposium continued to focus on energy and environmental issues but brought a larger and more diverse audience.
2012 By the Numbers
300
Attendees
205
International representatives
28
International universities
19
Funded research projects
This large gathering reflected the growing global interest in these topics. A significant outcome of this symposium was the funding of 19 research projects, aimed at tackling regional and global energy and environmental challenges.
Oct 2014: 5th International Symposium on the Role of Research Universities in Addressing Global Challenges
Washington University in St. Louis
The fifth symposium marked a shift towards a broader focus on the myriad global challenges that research universities are uniquely positioned to address, hosted at Washington University in St. Louis.
2014 By the Numbers
84
International representatives
28
International universities
10
Funded collaborative research projects
The symposium highlighted the essential role of academic research in solving global issues and funded 10 collaborative research projects, fostering innovation, cooperation and interdisciplinary research.