The Ig Nobel Prize ceremony returns to MIT for the first time in 20 years
On Sept. 12, the 34th First Annual Ig Nobel Prize ceremony took place at MIT’s 10-250 lecture hall. Founded in 1991 by Marc Abrahams, the Ig Nobel Prize awards unusual and humorous scientific research that “first make people laugh, then make them think.” The 34th annual ceremony awarded ten prizes across a diverse range of topics, from the efficacy of fake medicine to mammals that breathe through their anuses. The theme of this year’s ceremony is Murphy’s Law, a saying that if something can go wrong, then it will go wrong.
Ten elite universities settle for disclosed amount in financial aid lawsuit; MIT not among them
Ten elite universities settle for disclosed amount in financial aid lawsuit: MIT not among them
Kornbluth highlights progress made by the Institute in a call for giving
Kornbluth highlights progress made by the Institute in a call for giving
In memoriam: Albert ‘Al’ Zesiger ’51, the namesake of the Zesiger Center
In memoriam: Albert ‘Al’ Zesiger ’51, the namesake of the Zesiger Center
President Kornbluth outlines Institutional priorities for the new year
President Kornbluth outlines Institutional priorities for the new year
In advanced standing: 2024 ASE results
The notoriously difficult 5.111 chemistry Advanced Standing Exam pass rate climbed 7% from two years prior
In Memoriam: Mathieu Le Provost
Mathieu Le Provost, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, passed away unexpectedly on July 30 in France. Joining MIT in 2023, Le Provost was a member of the Uncertainty Quantification Group under Professor Youssef Marzouk. Previously, Le Provost received his PhD in mechanical engineering from UCLA in 2022 and was advised by Professor Jeff Eldredge. According to the Uncertainty Quantification Group website, Le Provost’s research interests focus on “exploiting structures of forward and inverse problems to develop robust and scalable methods.”
30 first-year students receive FYRE offers, an all-time low
30 first-year students had successful moves, which is the lowest number ever since 2017.
Institute launches the Center for Nuclear Security Policy following a $45 million donation
MIT’s Security Studies Program will begin a Center for Nuclear Security Policy following a $45 million gift from The Stanton Foundation. The Security Studies Program, founded in 1976 as the Defense and Arms Control Study Program, is a joint program between the MIT Center for International Studies and MIT Political Science.
Silver for Eldracher ’22 ‘25 at the Paralympic Games in Paris
Emelie Eldracher SB ’22 ’25 captured a silver medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in the Mixed PR3 Coxed Four rowing for Team USA. Eldracher was the coxswain in a boat composed of athletes from Williams, Tufts, the University of Virginia, and Temple.
Sunny Start to the School Session
The sun shines down on Killian Court, welcoming MIT students back for another year of learning! Whether it's one of your first days at MIT, your last first week of class ever, or just another work week, the cooler temperatures (75 °F / 23 °C high) and bright sunshine will make for some excellent pictures. The winds are in the 10s mph, so hold onto your hats! This weekend, as the temperatures cool further, the chance of precipitation increases, so take advantage of the nice weather before the storm of the semester picks up.
Course 6-7 curriculum restyled as explosive rise of machine learning takes hold in academia
Early this month, the Registrar’s Office published an updated MIT Bulletin for the 2024–2025 academic year and introduced significant modifications to course curricula for numerous departments, including Course 6-7 (Computer Science and Molecular Biology).
Duane Boning appointed as the new Vice Provost for International Activities
MIT has announced the appointment of Duane Boning as the new Vice Provost for International Activities (VPIA), effective September 1 of this year. Boning, a long-standing member of the MIT community and the Clarence J. LeBel Professor in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, will oversee the Institute's global engagements and policies. Boning's appointment is seen as a continuation of MIT’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that address global challenges.
State police respond to road rage shooting near Sailing Pavilion
On August 18 at around 5 p.m., state and city police swarmed an intersection of Memorial Drive near the MIT Sailing Pavilion in response to an incident that has since been labelled a “road rage shooting.”
EECS updates 6-4 curriculum
On August 21, EECS Undergraduate Officer Dr. Katrina LaCurts sent an email to the EECS undergraduate mailing list regarding an update to the Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making (6-4) curriculum.
MIT launches Philippe A. Embiricos fellowship to drive maritime innovation
MIT has introduced the Philippe A. Embiricos Fellowship in Ocean Engineering, with help from a substantial $500,000 donation from Libra Philanthropies. This fellowship is specifically designed to encourage and support Greek talent, fostering the next wave of leaders in maritime innovation.
Former MIT-owned edX’s parent company goes bankrupt
On July 27, 2U Inc., the online education firm that acquired edX from MIT and Harvard for $800 million in 2021, announced its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
Zesiger pool assault under police investigation, new facility policies implemented in response
On July 25, a Timely Warning notice was made public following five reported incidents of indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14 at the Zesiger Sports and Fitness Center. The assault is said to have occurred on July 24 between 7:30 a.m. and 8:50 a.m. while the victims were swimming in the lap pool. The suspect, described as a male around 30 years old with a mustache, was last seen wearing a lime green shirt and carrying a duffel bag.
Division of Student Life to introduce new free expression policies
MIT is set to introduce new policies and clarify existing ones aimed at balancing free expression, respectful dialogue, and safe campus operations, as announced in an August 15 email from the Student Organizations Leadership & Engagement Office. Vice President and Dean for Student Life Suzy Nelson announced that the finalized policies, developed with significant input from students, were to be shared in the coming weeks as the fall semester approaches.
MIT commits to upholding anti-discrimination, harassment policies
As the fall semester draws near, MIT is reaffirming its dedication to fostering an inclusive and safe environment for all members of its community. In a recent emailed announcement on August 19, Sarah Rankin, Director of the Institute Discrimination and Harassment Response Office (IDHR) and MIT's Title IX and VI Coordinator, emphasized the importance of understanding and adhering to the Institute's anti-discrimination and harassment policies.