MIT community in 2024: A Recap of the Year

MIT had a momentous year in 2024, with groundbreaking initiatives, new collaborations, and significant accomplishments. President Sally Kornbluth kicked things off in February, announcing the Climate Project, an ambitious planet-saving effort. The project tapped into MIT's expertise, focusing on six critical climate-related areas and appointing mission directors in July.

In the fall, Kornbluth announced two additional campus-wide collaborative efforts. The MIT Human Insight Collaborative (MITHIC), preserves MIT's humanitarian impact by combining the arts, social sciences, and humanities with other disciplines. On the flip side, MIT HEALS capitalizes on MIT's strengths in life sciences and technology to accelerate healthcare advancements. More collaborative projects are planned for the future.

Low-income students gained a significant advantage in November, as MIT pledged free tuition to undergraduates with family incomes below $200,000, benefiting 80% of American households. Families with lower incomes even received financial aid to cover the entire cost of education, including accommodation, meals, fees, and incidentals. The move was hailed as an "intergenerational gift" from past MIT students.

Community dialogue was encouraged through a series of "Dialogues Across Difference." These events focused on freedom of expression, race, and meritocracy, allowing community members to engage in open, honest discussions. The discussions served as a platform for ongoing initiatives and debates, including Standing Together Against Hate and the MIT Values Statement.

During Commencement, Noubar Afeyan, a biotechnology leader and MIT alumnus, urged the graduating Class of 2024 to take on challenging missions for the betterment of the world. Renowned speakers, distinguished faculty, and alumni were honored with prestigious awards throughout the year. Meanwhile, several buildings, including the Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing building, opened across campus.

Notable students earned multiple prestigious scholarships such as Rhodes, Marshall, and Fulbright scholarships. MIT students also won five top spots at the Putnam Mathematical Competition and clinched their first national cross-country championship.

Several key administrative roles were filled, including Ian Waitz as vice president for research, and Michael John Gorman as director of the MIT Museum. Unfortunately, the MIT community felt the loss of many esteemed members throughout the year.

Miguel Zenón secured a Grammy Award for his exceptional work in jazz, while professor John Joannopoulos won the distinguished Killian Award, MIT's highest faculty honor. Institutions like the Ragon Institute, the Graduate Junction housing complex, and the Linde Music Building opened their doors on campus.

While specific details about the Climate Project, free tuition, and new buildings in 2024 may be scarce, it's clear that MIT continued its pursuit of excellence in research, community, and innovation throughout the year.

Technology played a pivotal role in the Climate Project, one of MIT's groundbreaking initiatives in 2024.
The humanitarian impact of MIT was amplified by the launch of the MIT Human Insight Collaborative (MITHIC).
MIT HEALS, another collaborative effort, aimed to accelerate healthcare advancements using life sciences and technology.
The computing field experienced growth with the opening of the Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing building on campus.
The Fellows program, focusing on innovation, welcomed a new cohort of undergraduate students, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship at MIT.
The news of free tuition for undergraduates with family incomes below $200,000 sparked conversations about access to education-and-self-development.
In the realm of neuroscience, MIT faculty conducted cutting-edge research, pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding.
Public health was a focus area for MIT's collaborative efforts, with initiatives like MIT HEALS aiming to make a difference in this field.
The press covered the significant accomplishments of students in the biotech and biology fields, who won multiple prestigious awards and scholarships.
In the world of physics, professors at MIT continued their research, shedding light on complex theories and phenomena.
The MIT Museum welcomed a new director, Michael John Gorman, and opened its doors to visitors eager to learn about the institution's history and current projects.
Nobel laureate Migual Zenón, an MIT alumnus, won a Grammy Award for his work in jazz, bringing pride to the MIT community.
Students in the graduate program of medicine and biology made significant strides in research, contributing to the advancement of these fields.
The campus also witnessed the opening of new buildings such as the Ragon Institute, the Graduate Junction housing complex, and the Linde Music Building.
Educators delivered insightful lectures on various topics, from computing and engineering to neuroscience and physics, inspiring students and faculty alike.
Despite the losses of esteemed members, the MIT community remained resilient, continuing to strive for excellence in research, community, and innovation.