By Li Han

Staff Writer of the Tsinghua News Center

Professor Mark S. Wrighton, Chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis, visited Tsinghua on October 14. He delivered a speech entitled "American's Energy Future: Challenges and Opportunities" to the Tsinghua Forum during his visit.

Tsinghua University Council Chairman Hu Heping had a conversation with Professor Wrighton prior to the speech. They exchanged ideas on university development and discussed further promoting collaboration between their two institutions, especially cooperation concerning McDonnell International Scholars Academy, which attracts talented international students for advanced educational experiences and provides a means for the University to learn more about the global community.

"McDonnell International Scholars Academy is a unique undertaking," said Professor Wrighton. "The relationship with Tsinghua is a special one. Some of our most outstanding McDonnell scholars have joined Washington University from Tsinghua, and we also have certain collaborative research projects, especially ones related to energy and environment," said Professor Wrighton.

In his talk, Professor Wrighton briefed the audience on the current energy conditions in the United States and discussed some technological ways to deal with energy and environmental problems.

Professor Wrighton became Chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis in 1995.

(Photo by Guo Haijun, Cui Kai)