Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is dedicated to effecting positive change in the world through research, teaching, and patient care. Discover information about WashU and our global initiatives.
Washington University is a world-class research institution with our roots firmly in St. Louis
At WashU, we are an incredibly vibrant, diverse, and global community. Though we come from a variety of regions and backgrounds, we are united in our shared goal of solving critical societal challenges, in service of the St. Louis region, our nation and the world.
Join us in St. Louis
WashU Schools
- Arts & Sciences
- Brown School
- School of Continuing & Professional Studies
- McKelvey School of Engineering
- Olin Business School
- Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts
- School of Law
- School of Medicine
- School of Public Health (new in 2026)
Reputation for Excellence
Proud to be in
St. Louis
An affordable Midwest metropolitan city with 2.8 million people, offering free world-class attractions and abundant green spaces, including Forest Park, which is larger than Central Park in New York City.
A Hub for Innovation
Home to major corporations like Anheuser-Busch, Bayer, Boeing, Centene, Edward Jones, and Emerson, this city boasts a thriving startup ecosystem with 425 companies in the Cortex Innovation District, a new facility for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA West), and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center (AMICSTL).
Come to WashU
We seek to attract the best candidates from around the world.
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to building a diverse and collaborative community. It draws talented people from all identities, backgrounds and corners of the globe. Forty-six percent of our graduate students are international, and some of our biggest events on campus are cultural celebrations. We strive to instill all of our students with a global mindset. International students are an important part of our community, and we value the diversity that you help us to create.
McDonnell International Scholars Academy
The McDonnell Academy is an endowed fellowship program that offers generous financial support towards graduate and professional degree studies at WashU. Designed to enhance leadership capacity through mentorship, professional development, cultural experiences, and unique engagement opportunities, the McDonnell Academy welcomes applicants from anywhere in the world. Additionally, the Academy serves as a catalyst for collaborative research across countries and disciplines through its seed grants initiatives and Global Research Symposia.
Collaboration Opportunities
Much of our global research occurs in priority areas of the university’s ‘Here & Next’ strategic plan. Enhanced seed funding and visiting scholar opportunities help incubate new collaborations that make a difference in the lives of people both at home and abroad.
Global Incubator Seed Grants
Funding for projects engaging international collaborators in medicine, public health, environmental research, and digital transformation.
- $1.3M in funding awarded to ~70 projects in 3 years, $12M in additional external funding brought in.
- Next call for applications in Summer 2024 will fund up to 20 new projects.
Distinguished International Visiting Scholars
Funding for senior international faculty to visit WashU for short durations (typically up to 9 days) to develop ideas for joint projects and engage with our community.
- Visitors are nominated by a WashU departmental host.
- Funding covers travel, lodging, and activities at WashU.
Focus areas for research collaboration
Numerous scholars across different WashU departments are globally engaged. Focus areas, in which we have significant international collaborations and interest in further engagement include:
Medicine
WashU Medicine is at the forefront of research in areas such as the human gut microbiome, infectious diseases, Alzheimer’s research, genetics and genomics, personalized medicine, and neglected tropical diseases.
Public Health
A new School of Public Health, set to launch in 2026 under the leadership of Dean Sandro Galea, will build further momentum for research in areas such as global health, hunger and malnutrition, dissemination and implementation science, maternal and child health, environmental health, mental health, and more.
Environmental Research
A new Center for the Environment serves as a cross-cutting collaboration hub encouraging partners, faculty and students to advance research projects in areas including biodiversity, environmental justice, planetary health, environmental solutions, and climate change.
Digital Transformation
A new Digital Intelligence & Innovation Accelerator amplifies the activities of researchers working in prioritized digital domains, positions the university as a “living laboratory” for digital transformation, and embeds digital competencies into teaching and learning.
Contact us
waSHU GLOBAL
Mailing address
MSC 1173-0149-01
Washington University in St. Louis
1 Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130, USA