Harnessing MIT’s collective power

One of the things I’ve come to value deeply about the MIT community is the near-universal willingness to name a problem, measure it, design a solution, and keep iterating until it’s right. It’s an approach that has worked for a long time, and it’s one we’ll continue to rely on. As we step into the fall, we’re exploring new ways to harness the Institute’s collective power by fostering and supporting new collaborations on compelling global problems. 

In September we introduced the MIT Collaboratives, developed in close consultation with deans and other faculty leaders, to make it easier for faculty to pursue their most innovative ideas, collaborate with others outside their field, and explore fresh approaches to teaching our students. The first Collaborative, launched in October, is grounded in the human-centered fields represented by our School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. The next one will focus on inspiring and delivering solutions in the life sciences and health.