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 \u201cBuilding America Summit,\u201d 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, \u201cMany everyday advancements, whether medical or technological, stem from decades of scientists exploring how things work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kornbluth highlighted MIT\u2019s curriculum, which emphasizes foundational skills applicable to various technological innovations, crucial for leadership in an AI-driven world. She remarked, \u201cTraditional subjects aren\u2019t obsolete [due to AI]; it\u2019s about how they\u2019re approached.\u201d MIT is integrating basic STEM fields with moral, civic, and ethical education to ensure that future technologists have a well-rounded perspective.<\/p>\n
Central to Kornbluth\u2019s approach is a human-focused perspective on AI, inspired by MIT\u2019s motto \u201cmens et manus\u201d (mind and hand). She stated, \u201cWe want students to build things using AI as an augmentation tool.\u201d Kornbluth emphasized teaching faculty and students to harness AI effectively, with a focus on teamwork. \u201cAI should complement study groups, not replace them,\u201d she noted.<\/p>\n
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. \u201cStudents need to use AI for the greatest good and learn to write the right prompts,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
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. \u201cWe\u2019re figuring out the future funding stream,\u201d she said, highlighting the lengthy development timelines for treatments like those for diabetes.<\/p>\n
Kornbluth pointed to diabetes treatments evolving from insulin injections to automated pumps and CGMs, aiming for a functional cure through stem cell implantation. \u201cBasic research is vital for progress,\u201d she emphasized, adding that investment in research advances treatments like immunotherapy, which is becoming more broadly applicable.<\/p>\n
Beyond research and AI, Kornbluth highlighted MIT\u2019s significant contribution through its student body, programs, and spinouts. She underscored MIT\u2019s economic impact, equal to the world\u2019s 14th largest GDP, and its role in producing future talent. Notably, 20% of MIT\u2019s class of 2029 comprises first-generation students, with education as a key to economic mobility.<\/p>\n
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, \u201cASU learns where the edge of technology is from MIT.\u201d Kornbluth expressed optimism for MIT\u2019s ongoing research and educational contributions to the nation\u2019s future.<\/p>\n