Forging Global Futures: Warwick hosts Interdisciplinary Symposium with WashU
The University of Warwick recently hosted the Warwick–WashU Symposium, a full-day event that brought together academic leaders and scholars from Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) and the University of Warwick for a vibrant exchange of ideas.
Held on campus, the symposium served as a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, with panels exploring themes such as global education, collaborative research, and the evolving role of the arts, humanities, and social sciences in addressing today’s complex challenges.
The day opened with a welcome from Professor Michael Scott, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International), and featured contributions from staff and students across both institutions, showcasing the depth of expertise and a shared commitment to global impact.
This symposium marked a significant moment in Warwick’s growing relationship with WashU, following a series of reciprocal visits over the past 10 months. The visiting delegation, representing WashU’s School of Arts and Sciences, engaged in meaningful discussions with Warwick colleagues to identify future areas of collaboration.
Professor Stephanie Kirk, Director of the Center for the Humanities, Professor of Spanish, Comparative Literature, and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, WashU commented:
The symposium was a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when institutions come together across borders to share knowledge and perspectives.
Engaging with colleagues at Warwick reaffirmed the vital role of the humanities in addressing international challenges through critical inquiry, cultural understanding, and ethical reflection.
We’re excited to continue working with Warwick to develop innovative projects that reflect our shared values and academic strengths.
The visit aligns with Warwick’s refreshed International Strategy, which prioritises building institutional-level partnerships in North America to enhance research, education, and student mobility.
Recent developments in the partnership include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in February 2025 and multiple academic exchanges. Looking ahead, a student mobility agreement is being drafted to enable Warwick undergraduates to spend a year at WashU, while welcoming WashU students to Warwick for a semester starting in 2026–27. Plans are also underway for a joint STEM-focused symposium in St. Louis in March 2026. These initiatives reflect Warwick’s strategic commitment to cultivating long-term, high-impact relationships with leading global institutions.
Reflecting on the visit, Professor Mohan Balasubramanian, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (The Americas), said:
We are delighted to host our colleagues from WashU and continue building on the strong foundations laid over the past year.
This partnership exemplifies our ambition to foster meaningful global collaborations that benefit our students, staff, and research communities.
The energy and alignment between our institutions is truly exciting.
The WashU delegation included Professor William Acree, Vice Dean of Interdisciplinary Initiatives and Innovation, Co-Director, Incubator for Transdisciplinary Futures, Professor of Spanish, American Culture Studies (Affiliate) and Performing Arts (Affiliate). Laura Evers, Graduate Student, Literature, Professor Stephanie Kirk, Director of the Center for the Humanities, Professor of Spanish, Comparative Literature, and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Professor Erin McGlothlin, Vice Dean of Undergraduate Affairs, College of Arts & Sciences, Gloria M. Goldstein Professor of Holocaust Studies, Professor of German and Jewish Studies, Professor Shanti Parikh, Chair of African and African-American Studies, Professor of Sociocultural Anthropology and of African and African-American Studies, Professor Anca Parvulescu, Professor of English, Liselotte Dieckmann Professor in Comparative Literature.
If you are interested in working with colleagues in our North American partners please do get in touch with Sally Delbeke, International Partnerships Manager, International Strategy and Relations, .