MIT community in 2020: A year in review
In a year full of challenges, top Institute stories dealt with resilience, innovation, and MIT’s drive to embody its longstanding values in a changing world.
Dava Newman named director of MIT Media Lab
Visionary astronautics researcher, explorer, and expert on human adaptation to space will lead the Institute’s world-renowned research center.
Task Force 2021 and Beyond shares its initial compilation of ideas
More than 50 proposals to recast MIT for the post-Covid era released for review and community input.
Lincoln Laboratory establishes Biotechnology and Human Systems Division
Will focus on responding to disasters and humanitarian crises, defending against biothreats, addressing climate change, and improving human health and performance.
Report outlines route toward better jobs, wider prosperity
MIT Task Force on the Work of the Future identifies ways to align new technologies with durable careers.
Mary Frances Wagley, dedicated educator and the first woman to join the MIT Corporation, dies at 93
One of few female students in the 1940s, Wagley was also the Alumni Association’s first female president.
MIT Center for Real Estate announces new leadership team
Siqi Zheng and Kairos Shen to emphasize innovative research and interdisciplinary connections for global impact.
3Q: Update on MIT’s Task Force 2021 and Beyond
Co-chairs Rick Danheiser and Sanjay Sarma describe a push to “invent a thriving new future” for MIT.
The Engine announces second round of funding to support “tough tech” companies
MIT spinout continues its investment in early-stage startups working to solve key challenges in climate change, human health, and advanced systems.
Tyler Jacks, founding director of MIT’s Koch Institute, to step down
A search committee chaired by Institute Professor Phillip Sharp will work to identify a new director for MIT’s pioneering cancer research center.
Universities should lead the way on climate action, MIT panelists say
An online symposium explores roles for research universities and outlines the Institute’s efforts to be a testbed for research and policy innovations.
Get Out the Vote Fest attracts 1,000 viewers ahead of November election
MIT student groups come together to host “voter mobilization festival” featuring Institute leaders, famed artists, and elected officials.
Fotini Christia named director of the Sociotechnical Systems Research Center
Political science professor will spearhead the Institute’s interdisciplinary center that studies high-impact, complex societal challenges.
Brian Canavan named new registrar for MIT
He succeeds Mary Callahan, who retired after 39 years at the Institute.
Glen Shor named executive vice president and treasurer
The former vice president for finance will become MIT’s chief financial officer.