Naseh to receive International Institute of St. Louis award
Mitra Naseh, assistant professor at the WashU Brown School, will receive the Beacon Award from the International Institute of St. Louis at its 2026 Ubuntu Gala on November 6. The recognition highlights her community-engaged research supporting the integration of Afghan and other refugee communities in St. Louis.
WashU and Ben-Gurion University sign MOU during campus visit
WashU and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) signed a memorandum of understanding to expand research and educational collaboration, building on existing faculty connections. Initial plans include a joint seed grants program and student exchange.
Sherraden Keynotes Anniversary Celebration, Book Launch
Michael Sherraden, founder and co-director of WashU’s Center for Social Development, delivered a keynote address in Turin, Italy, celebrating the 430th anniversary of Fondazione Ufficio Pio and the launch of a new book on innovative asset-building initiatives in Italy.
Pregnancy nutrition trial in Ecuador improves fetal brain growth
A nutrition program for pregnant women inspired by ancestral dietary patterns and adapted to locally available foods in Ecuador increased growth in a key fetal brain region, according to a study led by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis.
From water sanitation in South Africa to suicide prevention in Missouri schools, students explore public health in summer program
Bursky Public Health’s Summer Experience Program offers undergrads, MPH students hands-on experience with diverse aspects of public health research, practice.
From ashes and adversity to a new career path
Farahnaz Tooryalai’s journey from Afghanistan to St. Louis is a story of resilience, opportunity and a determination to continue her career in health care. After relocating to the United States in 2022 and overcoming significant personal and professional challenges, Tooryalai found a new pathway through the WashU Medical Apprenticeship Program.
Waterlogged seeds reveal melons’ ancient journey
Melons produce many seeds, making the melon shape a traditional symbol of fertility and prosperity in Chinese culture. But the historical debate about how melons made their way to modern tables is as long and twisted as the vines they grow on.
Michael Wysession explores how geology shaped human history in new Great Courses series
How have earthquakes, volcanoes, climate shifts, and other forces of nature shaped the course of human history? WashU Professor Michael Wysession explores the connections between geology and civilization in a new 24-lecture series from The Great Courses, examining how our dynamic planet has influenced societies across time—and continues to shape the world we live in today.
Speeding progress toward ending HIV epidemic is aim of global conference
The HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Health Science of Implementation Conference, or VISTA, will take place from September 21-23, 2026, in Cape Town, South Africa. VISTA is organized by researchers from Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Cape Town.
WashU–University of Warwick Collaboration Fund recipients announced
Five new projects have been selected for funding through the WashU–University of Warwick Collaboration Fund, the latest step in advancing our strategic partnership. The projects span the physical and life sciences, humanities and social sciences, and AI-enabled healthcare education, each pairing complementary expertise from both institutions to tackle complex global challenges with lasting academic, educational, and societal impact.