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The latest news and updates from Arts & Sciences

Arts & Sciences in the News:

Featured Podcast:

Paul Laurence Dunbar, "We Wear The Mask"

Rafia Zafar joins the Poetry for All podcast to discuss "We Wear the Mask" by the great poet and writer Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906). Zafar leads us in a discussion of Dunbar's fame and influence while opening up broader themes of African American history and literature

Influencing democracy

The fifth episode of the American Democracy Lab podcast features author, lecturer, and journalist Anne Nelson discussing the eroding trust in our democracy.

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The Ampersand Magazine

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Fall 2025 issue

Ampersand magazine shares stories of incredible people, research, and ideas in Arts & Sciences. Our latest issue features stories on community-engaged research addressing flooding and public health, a new faculty research pitch competition, a cohort of experts on global power, and more.

news and events from Arts & Sciences / WashU

River flowing over rocks and Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

A river runs through it

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis are using state-of-the-art geospatial technologies to study bedrock river erosion at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, located about two hours southwest of the Danforth Campus.

Aerial shot of Tyson Research Center in the fall

Our world by degrees: In search of refuge

Researchers look at whether Ozark oases at Tyson Research Center — climate change refugia — could help species persist in spite of rising temperatures.

The Department of Political Science builds a cohort of international relations scholars

The department has spent years decoding global dynamics, assembling a team that pairs deep subject-matter expertise with rigorous, data-driven methods to address the pressing issues of our time. 

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Pitch perfect: WashU researchers share big ideas in three minutes

From smart textiles to sleep science, Arts & Sciences scholars are learning to translate complex research into short, compelling stories that engage the public.

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Smart chemistry: Chenfeng Ke designs materials that mimic nature

Inspired by biology, the chemist develops fabrics, gear, and materials that respond automatically to stress, heat, and pressure.

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Speaking science to power

A physics grad student took his concerns about the future of science to Washington, D.C.

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