Can we brew a sustainable plastic?
The challenges we face today are infinitely complex. No one person or field of study can solve climate change, health epidemics, or social and racial inequality. The world needs diverse perspectives, innovative ideas, and revolutionary collaboration to move us forward.
WashU is the place where learners, thinkers, leaders and doers inspire each other to ask the right questions, balancing rigor in research and discovery with radical empathy.
Connecting brilliant minds to solve today’s complex issues—together.
This is what WashU can do.
Can we create a self-driving car you can trust?
Computer engineer Eugene Vorobeychik and architect Constance Vale have teamed up to build a life-like 1:8 scale model of an urban neighborhood to train self-driving car technology in a risk-free environment.
Can we brew a sustainable plastic?
Marcus Foston and Fuzhong Zhang in WashU’s McKelvey School of Engineering are experimenting with a process similar to brewing to generate biodegradable materials with the goal of replacing traditional petroleum-derived plastics.
Can we unlock the body’s ability to fight brain diseases?
WashU is at the forefront of neuroscience research. We have more than 1,000 researchers on 120 teams gathering their collective expertise to explore the mind, brain and nervous system.
Can we improve the way the world eats?
To fight hidden hunger, WashU researcher Lora Iannotti and her E3 Nutrition Lab investigate maternal and child nutrition by examining the impact of nutrient-rich foods that are locally sourced and affordable.
Can we revolutionize the breakfast industry?
Two student entrepreneurs tapped the expertise of mentors from inside and outside WashU, including alumni, to successfully launch their chickpea-based hot breakfast cereal.
Can we right injustices in the legal system?
WashU law students are gaining real-world experience as they help those wrongfully convicted of crimes.