The Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, is among 15 select Asian varsities partnering the Washington University in launching the McDonnell Academy, which aims to create a worldwide network of top class scholars, and business and government leaders. The Academy will foster international co-operation in education and research to groom leaders capable of dealing with challenges of globalization in a socially sensitive way. At least nine multinational corporations, including Boeing, and several foundations and individuals are supporting the Academy. Established with a $10 million committed by retired chairman of the board of McDonnell Douglas Corporation John F. McDonnell, the Academy will pay all expenses for scholars it selects in various disciplines including arts, sciences, engineering, research and medicine, for study at the Washington University Announcing its establishment, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton said more Indian research varsities would be associated with it gradually. The training programme would include leadership training, interactions with experts in key areas. The Academy will also encourage collaboration between the universities on diverse issues. The collaborating multinationals could let the Academy know the fields in which employment is available and that would be kept in view while selecting the scholars. The first batch of 20 scholars would start training in fall next year.

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