The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Podcast

MIT Campus Update: H-1B Policy Changes, AI Cures Conference, Cambridge Science Festival, New Books, and Upcoming Events

Good afternoon, MIT community. Today is Monday, September 22, 2025, and here are the latest updates from around campus.
On September 19, President Trump issued a proclamation restricting entry to the U.S. for H-1B workers, effective September 21. The MIT International Scholars Office is analyzing the impact of this sudden change and advises affected individuals to contact ischo@mit.edu for guidance.
Today, MIT and Mass General Brigham are hosting the fourth annual AI Cures Conference. This event showcases collaborative projects in clinical AI, focusing on improving patient care through advanced technologies. New this year are tutorials on deploying AI models in real-world clinical settings.
The Cambridge Science Festival returns from September 23 to 29. Organized by the MIT Museum and the City of Cambridge, this week-long celebration features over 200 free programs across the area, focusing on our shared humanity. A full program guide is available on the festival's website.
Looking ahead, the Connected Learning Summit will be held in person at MIT on October 6. This event brings together educators, researchers, and innovators to explore participatory and creative learning through emerging technologies.
This month, MIT Press has released several notable books, including "On Liberalism: In Defense of Freedom" by Cass R. Sunstein, and "What Is Intelligence? Lessons from AI About Evolution, Computing, and Minds" by Blaise Agüera y Arcas. These titles and more are available through MIT Press.
Currently, it's sunny in Cambridge with a temperature of 65°F (18°C). The forecast for the rest of the day includes mostly sunny skies with temperatures reaching up to 72°F (22°C) by 4:00 PM.
That's all for today's updates. Stay informed and have a great day.

MIT Campus News: Upcoming Science Carnival, Startup Demo Day, and Cambridge Science Festival Highlights

Hello, and welcome to the latest episode of our campus news podcast. Today is Monday, September 15, 2025, and we've got a lineup of exciting events and updates from around MIT.
First up, the Cambridge Science Carnival, founded by the MIT Museum, is set to take place on September 21 in the Kendall/MIT Open Space. This event will feature over 100 booths with science and art-based activities and demonstrations. From a STEAM-themed playground to live, interactive music from the MIT physics department, it's an event you won't want to miss.
Looking ahead, the MIT Startup Exchange is hosting its September 2025 Demo Day on Wednesday, September 17, from 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM Eastern Time. This virtual event will feature several industry-ready startups presenting brief lightning talks followed by Q&A sessions. Breakout rooms will be available at the end of the event for more in-depth discussions. Please note that this event is exclusive to Industrial Liaison Program members. Registration is required, and upon registering, you'll receive a confirmation email with information on how to join the meeting.
In other news, the Cambridge Science Festival is set to return from September 23 to September 29, 2025. Organized by the MIT Museum and the City of Cambridge, this annual week-long celebration features over 200 free programs across Cambridge and Greater Boston. This year's festival focuses on our shared humanity—how we interact, explore, and discuss together. A full program guide will be available in late August. For more information and to join the mailing list, visit the Cambridge Science Festival website.
That's all for today's episode. Stay tuned for more updates, and have a great week ahead!

MIT Fall Events Preview: Campus Gathering, Startup Demo Day, and Cambridge Science Festival Highlights

Hello, and welcome to the latest episode of our campus news podcast. Today is Monday, September 8, 2025, and we've got a lineup of exciting events and updates from around MIT.
First up, mark your calendars for the Fall 2025 Campus Gathering on September 10, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Hosted by the Climate Project at MIT, this event aims to bring the community together to share updates, exchange ideas, and foster new connections. Keep an eye on the MIT Sustainability website for more details as the date approaches.
Looking ahead, the MIT Startup Exchange is hosting its September 2025 Demo Day on Wednesday, September 17, from 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM Eastern Time. This virtual event will feature several industry-ready startups presenting brief lightning talks followed by Q&A sessions. Breakout rooms will be available at the end of the event for more in-depth discussions. Please note that this event is exclusive to Industrial Liaison Program members. Registration is required, and upon registering, you'll receive a confirmation email with information on how to join the meeting.
In other news, the Cambridge Science Festival is set to return from September 23 to September 29, 2025. Organized by the MIT Museum and the City of Cambridge, this annual week-long celebration features over 200 free programs across Cambridge and Greater Boston. This year's festival focuses on our shared humanity—how we interact, explore, and discuss together. A full program guide will be available in late August. For more information and to join the mailing list, visit the Cambridge Science Festival website.
That's all for today's episode. Stay tuned for more updates, and have a great week ahead!

MIT News: Fall Campus Gathering, Startup Demo Day, and Cambridge Science Festival Highlights for September 2025

Hello, and welcome to the latest episode of our campus news podcast. Today is Monday, September 1, 2025, and we've got a lineup of exciting events and updates from around MIT.
First up, mark your calendars for the Fall 2025 Campus Gathering on September 10, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Hosted by the Climate Project at MIT, this event aims to bring the community together to share updates, exchange ideas, and foster new connections. Keep an eye on the MIT Sustainability website for more details as the date approaches.
Looking ahead, the MIT Startup Exchange is hosting its September 2025 Demo Day on Wednesday, September 17, from 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM Eastern Time. This virtual event will feature several industry-ready startups presenting brief lightning talks followed by Q&A sessions. Breakout rooms will be available at the end of the event for more in-depth discussions. Please note that this event is exclusive to Industrial Liaison Program members. Registration is required, and upon registering, you'll receive a confirmation email with information on how to join the meeting.
In other news, the Cambridge Science Festival is set to return from September 23 to September 29, 2025. Organized by the MIT Museum and the City of Cambridge, this annual week-long celebration features over 200 free programs across Cambridge and Greater Boston. This year's festival focuses on our shared humanity—how we interact, explore, and discuss together. A full program guide will be available in late August. For more information and to join the mailing list, visit the Cambridge Science Festival website.
That's all for today's episode. Stay tuned for more updates, and have a great week ahead!

MIT News: AI Investment Warnings, Top QS Ranking, Clinical AI Conference, and New Advances in Image Technology

Good morning, MIT community! It's Monday, August 25, 2025, and here's your latest campus news.
Currently, it's mostly cloudy in Cambridge with a temperature of 66°F (19°C). Expect cloudy skies throughout the morning, with temperatures reaching up to 77°F (25°C) by early afternoon. There's a chance of thunderstorms around 4 PM, so keep an umbrella handy if you're heading out later today.
A recent MIT report has sent ripples through the tech industry. The study reveals that 95% of organizations are seeing no returns from their investments in generative AI, despite the technology's significant role in recent stock market surges. This has raised concerns about a potential AI bubble, a sentiment echoed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Following the report's release, tech stocks like Nvidia and Oracle experienced notable declines.
Looking ahead, the MIT-MGB AI Cures Conference is set to take place at MIT's Samberg Conference Center. This event will showcase collaborative projects in clinical AI, emphasizing the impact of artificial intelligence on patient care. Attendees can look forward to tutorials on deploying AI models in real-world clinical settings and ample networking opportunities.
In academic news, MIT has been ranked the world's number one university for the 14th consecutive year by QS for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Institute also placed first in 11 subject areas, reflecting its continued excellence across various fields.
MIT researchers have developed a new method for editing and generating images using special neural networks called encoders or "tokenizers." This advancement could have significant implications for various applications in image processing and artificial intelligence.
The MIT community is invited to submit ideas for K-12 educational materials about climate change and sustainability. This initiative aims to empower educators and learners to take climate action.
That's all for today's updates. Stay safe, stay cool, and have a great day!

MIT News Podcast: Media Lab’s ”New Beginnings,” Cambridge Science Festival, Museum Updates & Fall Campus Events

Good afternoon, MIT community! It's Monday, August 18, 2025, and you're tuned in to the latest episode of our campus news podcast. Let's dive into the current events and updates from around the Institute.
First up, let's talk about the weather. Today in Cambridge, we're enjoying mostly sunny skies with temperatures hovering around 64 degrees Fahrenheit. It's a perfect day to take a stroll along the Charles River or enjoy some outdoor activities on campus.
In campus news, the MIT Media Lab is gearing up for its Fall Member Event titled "New Beginnings," scheduled for October 2025. This two-day event will showcase the Lab's commitment to innovative ideas and transformational projects. Attendees can look forward to presentations from new faculty, updates on ongoing research, and demonstrations of cutting-edge prototypes. This event marks the beginning of the Media Lab's 40th Anniversary celebrations, culminating in October 2026. For more details, visit the Media Lab's official website.
Looking ahead, the Cambridge Science Festival is set to take place from September 28 to October 4, 2025. Organized by the MIT Museum, this annual event offers a week-long celebration of science, technology, engineering, and math. With a variety of workshops, lectures, and interactive exhibits, the festival aims to engage the public in the wonders of scientific discovery. Keep an eye on the MIT Museum's website for the full schedule and registration details.
In other news, the MIT Museum has recently relocated to a new site, enhancing its ability to showcase a vast collection of holography, robotics, and the history of MIT. The museum continues to offer a range of exhibitions that intersect art and technology, providing visitors with a unique experience. If you haven't visited the new location yet, it's a must-see.
On the academic front, MIT has released a detailed report on the energy footprint of generative AI. This comprehensive study examines the environmental impact of AI technologies and explores strategies for sustainable development in this rapidly evolving field. The report is available on MIT's official website for those interested in delving deeper into the findings.
As we approach the start of the fall semester, various student organizations are preparing for their annual events. The Burton-Conner House's "Dance Till You Drop" party, a long-standing tradition since 1969, is expected to be announced soon. This event is open to the entire campus and is known for its lively atmosphere and live music. Stay tuned for official announcements regarding the date and time.
That's all for today's episode. Stay connected with us for more updates on campus events and news. Enjoy the rest of your day, and we'll catch you next time!

MIT Campus News: Fall Events, Fellowships, Research Advances, and Global Rankings – August 11, 2025

Good afternoon, MIT community. Today is Monday, August 11, 2025, and here are your campus news updates.
Currently, it's sunny in Cambridge with a temperature of 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures are expected to rise throughout the day, reaching a high of 91 degrees by mid-afternoon. Be sure to stay hydrated and take necessary precautions if you're spending time outdoors.
The MIT Media Lab is hosting "New Beginnings: Fall Member Event 2025" on October 22 and 23. This two-day event will showcase innovative projects and collaborations across disciplines. Attendees can expect hands-on sessions, discussions led by faculty and researchers, and networking opportunities. For more details and registration, visit the Media Lab's events page.
The Martinos Medical Imaging Initiative is offering one-year fellowships for the 2025-2026 academic year. These fellowships are open to PhD students working in medical imaging and involve collaboration between two principal investigators. Applications are due by August 15. For eligibility criteria and application details, refer to the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology newsletter.
Additionally, the K. Lisa Yang Brain-Body Center at MIT is offering a fellowship for postdoctoral trainees or graduate students focused on exploring neurobiological connections between the brain and other bodily systems. Interested candidates should submit a one-page research proposal and CV by August 1. For more information, contact Zella Pirello at zpirello@mit.edu.
MIT researchers have developed a new method for editing and generating images using special neural networks called encoders or "tokenizers." This advancement could have significant implications for various applications in image processing and artificial intelligence.
In collaboration with Mass General Brigham, MIT has launched a joint seed program to accelerate innovations in health. Supported by Analog Devices Inc., this program aims to fund joint research projects that advance technology and clinical research.
MIT has been ranked the world's number one university for the 14th consecutive year by QS for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Institute also placed first in 11 subject areas, reflecting its continued excellence across various fields.
Four MIT students have been named 2025 Goldwater Scholars. Rising seniors Avani Ahuja, Julianna Lian, Jacqueline Prawira, and Alex Tang were honored for their academic achievements in science and engineering.
That's all for today's updates. Stay safe, stay cool, and have a great day.

MIT News Update: Summer Events, Basketball Academy, AI & Education Summit, and History Highlights – August 4, 2025

Good afternoon, MIT community! It's Monday, August 4, 2025, and here's what's happening around campus.
First, let's talk about the weather. Today in Cambridge, it's partly sunny with a current temperature of 66 degrees Fahrenheit. As the day progresses, expect hazy sunshine with temperatures reaching up to 88 degrees by mid-afternoon. So, if you're planning to be outdoors, stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
In campus news, the MIT men's basketball team is hosting its annual Basketball Academy this coming weekend, August 9 and 10. The sessions will run from 10 AM to 2 PM each day at Rockwell Cage. This is a fantastic opportunity for prospective student-athletes to engage in competitive games and interact with the MIT coaching staff, as well as current and former players. For more information and to register, visit the MIT Athletics website.
Looking ahead, the MIT AI & Education Summit 2025 is scheduled for later this year. The summit will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers, including H.E. Salima Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation for Sierra Leone; Rod McLeod, Vice President of Social Impact at Braze; and Susan Goldberg, President and CEO of GBH. This event promises to be an insightful exploration of the intersection between artificial intelligence and education. Stay tuned for more details as the date approaches.
In other news, the MIT History Department has been active with several notable events and appointments. Professor Hiromu Nagahara curated a digital exhibit titled "From Samurai into Engineers: Eiichirō Honma and MIT’s First Japanese Students," now live on the MIT Libraries website. Additionally, Professor Sana Aiyar has been appointed Interim Head of the Program in Women’s and Gender Studies. Congratulations to both professors on their contributions to the MIT community.
That's all for today's update. Stay cool, stay informed, and have a great day!

MIT Campus News: Weather, Research Breakthroughs, Upcoming Events, and a Summer Philharmonic Concert – July 28, 2025

Good afternoon, and welcome to the latest episode of our campus news podcast. Today is Monday, July 28, 2025, and here's what's happening at MIT.
Let's start with the weather. Currently, it's mostly sunny in Cambridge, with temperatures around 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Expect the warmth to continue throughout the afternoon, with highs reaching up to 89 degrees. So, if you're heading out, don't forget your sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Last week, MIT hosted several notable events. On July 22, the Environment-Vulnerability-Decision-Technology, or EVDT, Community held its monthly meeting. The session featured Dr. Rajeswari Balasubramaniam from the University of Michigan, who provided an overview of the CYGNSS mission and discussed the capabilities of GNSS-Reflectometry for Earth remote sensing applications.
Looking ahead, there's a variety of events on the horizon.
Tomorrow, July 29, from 12 to 1 PM Eastern Time, MIT Professional Education is hosting a Virtual Open House for their Climate Change: Science, Solutions, and Sustainability course. This session is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to drive meaningful sustainability initiatives.
On Wednesday, July 30, the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, or EAPS, is organizing a Community Coffee Break from 9:45 to 10:15 AM in the Building 55 Atrium. It's a great opportunity to grab a cup of coffee or tea, enjoy a donut, and connect with fellow EAPS colleagues.
Later that day, at 1:30 PM, EAPS will host a Doctoral Thesis Defense by Lesly Franco in room 55-110. Lesly will present her research on "Comprehensive laboratory studies of organic oxidation across a range of photochemical ages and peroxy radical conditions."
In research news, MIT's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science has made significant strides. On July 22, researchers discovered that special kinds of neural networks, known as encoders or "tokenizers," can perform tasks beyond their previously understood capabilities. This advancement could have broad implications for image editing and generation.
Additionally, on July 21, MIT researchers developed the PhysicsGen system, a simulation-based pipeline that tailors training data for dexterous robots. This innovation aims to enhance robots' ability to handle items in homes and factories by customizing training data to specific machines.
For those interested in the arts, the MIT Summer Philharmonic Orchestra is set to perform on Friday, August 1, at 8 PM. This year's concert celebrates the extraordinary beauty of our planet through captivating music. The event is sponsored by MIT Professional Education and will feature works by renowned composers Jonathan Dove and Gustav Mahler.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around campus. Remember to check the MIT events calendar and departmental websites for the latest information. Have a great day!