Addressing global challenges: The role of research universities

Representatives and leadership from Washington University and the 28 McDonnell International Scholars Academy institutions came together with policymakers, researchers, students and corporate partners for the recent Fifth International Symposium on “The Role of Research Universities in Addressing Global Challenges.” The symposium, sponsored by the McDonnell Academy, focused on how interdisciplinary research and education collaboration can lead to innovative solutions for the world’s most pressing problems. Experts led sessions on the following themes: aging; food and water; energy and environment; and public health. Above, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton hosts a question-and-answer session with U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz (left) after Moniz’s keynote address on U.S. energy policy. Below, Marcia McNutt, editor-in-chief of Science, presented a symposium keynote on “Global Challenges in the Oceans.” For more information about the symposium, visit mcdonnellsymposium.wustl.edu. Credit: Mary Butkus/WUSTL Photos (2)