Opening the doors of perception: Perspectives on SHASS
Does technology displace workers or create new work?
World-class
research
Our distinguished faculty do field-defining work and develop the values, vision, and ethical compass of tomorrow’s leaders. They produce operas alongside research that makes the world a better place.
Without human understanding, there is no understanding. The School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences is home to scholars and artists who are doing transformative work in fields that are vital to addressing the world’s most important challenges.
Making classical music and math more accessible
In math and in music, senior Holden Mui values interesting ideas, solving problems creatively, and finding meaning in their structures. “People want fresh, new, non-recycled approaches to math and music,” he says.
Aligning AI with human values
Senior Audrey Lorvo is researching AI safety, which seeks to ensure increasingly intelligent AI models are reliable and can benefit humanity. The growing field focuses on technical challenges like robustness and AI alignment with human values, as well as societal concerns like transparency and accountability.
Learn more about the research of our exceptional faculty.
Timeless virtues, new technologies
A new book by David Mindell, the Dibner Professor of the History of Engineering and Manufacturing in MIT’s Program in Science, Technology, and Society, draws from the Enlightenment to show how today’s inventors can produce useful technologies and good jobs.
Study in India shows kids use different math skills at work vs. school
A new study in India co-authored by MIT economists Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee shows a wide gap between the kinds of math problems kids who work in retail markets do well and the kinds of problems kids in school do well.
SHASS offers an wide array of events through our departments, programs, and centers. We’ve featured some upcoming events below. See our events calendar for opportunities to drink tea with luminaries from SHASS fields, hear groundbreaking ideas at a symposium, or attend a film screening.
The Stories We Could Tell: Science Journalism in a Time of Change
MIT’s Program in Science, Technology, and Society and the Knight Science Journalism Program present “The Stories We Could Tell: Science Journalism in a Time of Change,” a special lecture featuring Knight Science Journalism Program Associate Director Ashley Smart. The event takes place Monday, April 7 at 5:15 p.m. in Building E51-145. Smart will discuss science journalists’ roles in restoring public trust in science.
What’s next for Ukraine and Europe?
MIT’s Center for International Studies presents “What’s next for Ukraine and Europe?” a conversation with former Ukraine foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba on Tuesday, April 8 at 5 p.m. in Building E25-111. Discussants include Carol Saivetz ,senior advisor in MIT’s Security Studies Program, and Elizabeth Wood, the Ford International Professor of History.
SHASS community spotlight
The SHASS community is made of inspiring students, staff, and faculty. Meet these individuals who have big impacts in the corridors of MIT and beyond.
Latest news from SHASS
Our work has broad impact at MIT and across the globe. Read the latest about new ideas coming out of SHASS.
New Alliance for Data, Evaluation and Policy Training will advance data-driven decision-making in public policy
ADEPT brings together universities, governments, and other members to empower the next generation of policymakers with the tools to innovate, test, and scale effective public policies and programs.
Collaboration between MIT and GE Vernova aims to develop and scale sustainable energy systems
The MIT-GE Vernova Energy and Climate Alliance includes research, education, and career opportunities across the Institute.
MIT affiliates named 2024 AAAS Fellows
The American Association for the Advancement of Science recognizes six current affiliates and 27 additional MIT alumni for their efforts to advance science and related fields.
