President Sally Kornbluth warned that without federal backing for curiosity-driven research, the innovation and talent that have underpinned the country’s success may dwindle. She shared this concern during a Washington Post Live event. At “The Next Generation” panel, moderated by Washington Post reporter Zachary Goldfarb at the “Building America Summit,” Kornbluth and Arizona State University President Michael Crow discussed the critical role of curiosity-driven research and how universities are preparing future scientists for a swiftly evolving technological landscape. Kornbluth noted, “Many everyday advancements, whether medical or technological, stem from decades of scientists exploring how things work.”
Kornbluth highlighted MIT’s curriculum, which emphasizes foundational skills applicable to various technological innovations, crucial for leadership in an AI-driven world. She remarked, “Traditional subjects aren’t obsolete [due to AI]; it’s about how they’re approached.” MIT is integrating basic STEM fields with moral, civic, and ethical education to ensure that future technologists have a well-rounded perspective.
Central to Kornbluth’s approach is a human-focused perspective on AI, inspired by MIT’s motto “mens et manus” (mind and hand). She stated, “We want students to build things using AI as an augmentation tool.” Kornbluth emphasized teaching faculty and students to harness AI effectively, with a focus on teamwork. “AI should complement study groups, not replace them,” she noted.
Kornbluth stressed the necessity of writing effective prompts for AI, supported by foundational knowledge in math, physics, biology, and chemistry. This, paired with strong communication skills, equips students to use AI responsibly in scientific research. “Students need to use AI for the greatest good and learn to write the right prompts,” she said. The MIT Sloan School of Management plays a unique role in exploring AI due to the high demand for strong AI knowledge in the business sector.
Federal funding is essential for curiosity-driven research, which underpins many scientific breakthroughs. Kornbluth explained that such research, traditionally government-funded, lacks immediate returns but is crucial for revolutionary discoveries. She noted that although funds have been allocated to universities, they are largely unreleased. “We’re figuring out the future funding stream,” she said, highlighting the lengthy development timelines for treatments like those for diabetes.
Kornbluth pointed to diabetes treatments evolving from insulin injections to automated pumps and CGMs, aiming for a functional cure through stem cell implantation. “Basic research is vital for progress,” she emphasized, adding that investment in research advances treatments like immunotherapy, which is becoming more broadly applicable.
Beyond research and AI, Kornbluth highlighted MIT’s significant contribution through its student body, programs, and spinouts. She underscored MIT’s economic impact, equal to the world’s 14th largest GDP, and its role in producing future talent. Notably, 20% of MIT’s class of 2029 comprises first-generation students, with education as a key to economic mobility.
MIT offers free tuition for students with parental incomes under $200,000, improving access to education. Initiatives like MIT for America expand calculus access in under-resourced high schools. Kornbluth and Crow concluded by discussing the mutual learning between their universities. Crow noted, “ASU learns where the edge of technology is from MIT.” Kornbluth expressed optimism for MIT’s ongoing research and educational contributions to the nation’s future.
Original Source: news.mit.edu
