LATEST MIT PHYSICS NEWS
UPCOMING COLLOQUIA & SEMINARSChez Pierre SeminarsMonday, September 14, 2026 at 12:00pm ET - Duboc Room (4-331) Nuclear and Particle Theory SeminarMonday, September 14, 2026 at 2:00pm ET - Cosman Room (6C-442) Nuclear and Particle Physics ColloquiumMonday, September 14, 2026 at 4:00pm ET - Kolker Room (26-414) or Zoom LNS Lunchtime SeminarTuesday, September 15, 2026 at 12:00pm ET - Kolker Room (26-414) or Zoom Joint MIT/Tufts Cosmology SeminarTuesday, September 15, 2026 at 2:30pm ET - Tufts Astrophysics Talks and ColloquiumMonday, September 14, 2026 at 3:00pm ET - Marlar Lounge (37-252) and Zoom Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 4:00pm ET - Marlar Lounge (37-252) MIT-Harvard CUA SeminarTuesday, September 22, 2026 at 4:00pm ET - Harvard Ory Forum (301 A/B) MIT Living and Non-Equilibrium Systems (LANES) Seminar SeriesTuesday, September 15, 2026 at 10:45am ET - PLS (4-332) String/Gravity Theory SeminarWednesday, September 16, 2026 at 3:00pm ET - Cosman Room (6C-442) Physics ColloquiumThursday, September 17, 2026 at 4:00pm ET - 10-250 Refreshments at 3:30pm in 4-349 (Pappalardo Community Room)* IAIFI Public ColloquiumFriday, September 25, 2026 at 2:00pm ET - Kolker Room (26-414) UPCOMING EVENTSMIT Fresh Food Bag Market
Who: All Students Fresh Food Bags are Back this Monday 9/14: Grab-and-Go Local Produce! The MIT Fresh Food Bag program is back for its second installment starting Monday, September 14! Stop by Room 8-219 between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM to purchase an affordable bag of local produce (this week’s sneak peak: peppers, squash, tomatoes, and apples). Produce is harvested on Sundays by MIT students and community members. No sign-up necessary. Just drop in and pay with TechCASH or credit card. Fresh Food Bags is a pilot program of the Office of Sustainability, MIT Farm Club, MIT Anthropology, & Hannan Healthy Foods Farm in Lincoln, Ma. This program is made possible with the support of the: Undergraduate Association, MIT Campus Dining, and the New England Food Vision Prize. [ESS] Earth Science Seminar line-up for this fall
Who: All Students We’re pleased to announce the line-up for this semester’s edition of the Earth Science Seminar (ESS) at Tuesdays at 10am.
As usual, seminars will take place on Tuesdays at 10a in 55-110 with a virtual zoom option. MISTI Global Teaching Labs (GTL) Info Session
Who: All Students Learn by teaching all over the world. MIT’s Global Teaching Labs (GTL) program recruits top MIT students who want to actively participate in the Institute’s experiential approach to learning. GTL challenges participants to learn by teaching—synthesizing and presenting knowledge, working in teams, and communicating with peers from different cultural backgrounds. For more information about the program and the application process, visit MISTI’s Global Teaching Lab’s page. Voterfest
Who: All Students Free and open to all! Join us for a celebration of democracy on National Voter Registration Day! Enjoy music, treats, and family-friendly activities, including face painting! Student volunteers will be on-site to help you register to vote or update your voter registration. This event is free and open to all, and is hosted in partnership with the PKG Center for Social Impact. Rain date: Wednesday, September 23, 5-7pm. How to work a career fair as a first year
Who: Undergraduate Students Does the idea of a career fair overwhelm and intimidate you? If so, come to the Q&A with MIT students who have braved career fairs in the past. This session will focus on the Fall Career Fair, but these tips and insights can apply to any of the annual career fairs happening on/near campus. Learn how you as a first year student at MIT can feel confident and make the most of events like these. Open exclusively to all first-year and sophomore undergraduate students. Register for Harvard Library Privileges
Who: All Students All MIT faculty, students, and staff can visit and borrow from Harvard simply by registering. The MIT Libraries have arranged for on-site registration here on campus to help streamline the process. Come to Hayden Library on one of our registration days on September 16 or October 1, 2-5pm:
Already have Harvard access and need to renew? Bring your Harvard ID (you must still have this) to Hayden Library on one of our registration days and follow steps 1&2 above to reactivate. Can't come to Hayden on one of these dates? You can also apply online and confirm your affiliation via a Zoom appointment. You can then pick up your card at Harvard's Smith Center ID office at your convenience. Learn more about using Harvard's libraries at libraries.mit.edu/harvard. MKI Meet and Greet Fall 2026
Who: All Students Introduce yourself, and meet the new and returning members of our community. Lunch will be served. Details will be sent via email! The event will be held in person only. While we hope that you can attend on campus, we understand if it’s not possible. Meet a Scientist: Prof. Anna Frebel at the Museum of Science
Who: All Students Meet an MKI scientist! Throughout the year, the Museum of Science hosts guests in a variety of STEM fields, including astrophysics. Come learn what MKI researchers do, how they became interested in their field of study, and how their work impacts the world. Bring your questions! This program is free with Museum admission. Length: 20 minutes. Learn more at https://www.mos.org/visit/live-presentations/meet-a-scientist. Other upcoming talks with MKI scientists
PSFC Distinguished Lecture: IAEA Deputy Director General Najat Mokhta
Who: All Students We are honored to welcome Dr. Najat Mokhtar, Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Head of its Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, to MIT for a special Distinguished Lecture: "Breaking Barriers: Harnessing the Potential of the Atom" As Deputy Director General, Dr. Mokhtar leads the IAEA’s work advancing the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology in human health, food and agriculture, water resource management, environmental protection, and scientific research. Her distinguished career has spanned scientific research, academic leadership, and international policymaking, with a longstanding focus on using science to improve lives and expand access to opportunity around the world. If you plan to attend this event, please register here. 2026 MIT Deep Tech Career Fair
Who: All Students Explore career and internship opportunities in electronics, semiconductors, computing, materials, quantum, and other deep-tech industries! MIT students, postdocs, researchers, and alumni are invited to meet with representatives of the member companies of the MIT.nano Consortium, Microsystems Industrial Group, Quantum Science & Engineering Consortium, MIT AI Hardware Program, MIT Generative AI Impact Consortium, and MIT ISN Bridge Program. This focused career fair will provide networking and career opportunities with leading global companies seeking MIT talent for a variety of roles and industries. Meet potential employers and build relationships with companies in your areas of interest. Learn more about specific openings for permanent placements and internships at participating companies. To get the most out of your career fair experience, please review MIT’s Tips for Career Fair Success. Please check the MIT Deep Tech Career Fair website to keep up-to-date on participating companies! >> REGISTER and upload your resume today! Advanced Degree Networking Event @ Fall Career Fair
Who: Graduate Students The Graduate Student Council Activities, Research, & Careers (GSC ARC) is pleased to invite your students to the Advanced Degree Networking Event at the Fall Career Fair! Space will be limited, so register early to secure your spot! If student registration exceeds the capacity of the event space, we will divide the event into two one-hour sessions; in this case, each student will be assigned to a session and notified of their assigned time prior to the event. Please reach out to gsc-career-fair@mit.edu with any questions. FELLOWSHIP/GRANT OPPORTUNITIESTwo Sigma's 2027 PhD Fellowship
Who: Graduate Students Two Sigma is proud to announce the continuation of the Two Sigma PhD Fellowship program, supporting doctoral students who are expanding frontiers in a STEM field. Applications for the 2027 PhD Fellowship are officially open and will be due by September 25th, 2026, at 12:00pm ET through our online application process. We assess applications based on students’ research proposals, resumes, transcripts, and recommendation letters. Please see the links below for further information:
Princeton Quantum Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowship
Who: Graduate Students and Postdocs These Associate Research Scholar positions will support research in quantum science and engineering across several departments throughout the university, including physics, electrical engineering, computer science, chemistry, and mechanical engineering. Research areas include foundational quantum science, quantum materials, devices for quantum technologies, and quantum computer science. Appointments come with a highly competitive salary and $10,000 annually in research funding. Applications will receive full consideration if they are submitted by October 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM. For more information about this role, view the job posting on Interfolio. NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GFRP) application now live!
Who: Graduate Students The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing research-based master's or doctoral degrees in STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — or in STEM education. This support includes an annual stipend and a cost-of-education allowance towards tuition and fees. The overall goal of the Graduate Research Fellowship Program is to recruit individuals into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields; to select, recognize, and financially support individuals who have demonstrated the potential to be high achieving scientists and engineers, early in their careers; and to broaden participation in science and engineering of underrepresented groups, including women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans. NSF Fellows are anticipated to become experts whose work contributed significantly to research, teaching, and innovations in science and engineering. Visit https://oge.mit.edu/fellowships/nsf/ for info on eligibility, application process, helpful webinars and workshops, and timeline and deadlines. OTHER OPPORTUNITIESThe U.S. Federal R&D Budget 101 - FREE Course thru Sept 30th
Who: All Students, Postdocs, Staff and Faculty You may have seen AAAS updates about the proposed OMB grant-making rule that would politicize science funding, along with our call for members to comment on this proposal and engage with their policymakers during the August recess. Our work to demonstrate how and why federal investment in science matters is far from over. To continue to equip our members and community, we’re now sharing The U.S. Federal R&D Budget 101, a course available through the AAAS Learning Hub. It offers a practical overview of how federal research funding is negotiated each year and a look at the historical role it has played in supporting the scientific enterprise. Because this topic is especially timely, the course is open for free to everyone through September 30 before returning to members-only access. Humana Summer 2027 Tech Internship
Who: All Students Our 12-week internship program offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a wide spectrum of technological domains, contributing to projects that directly impact the health and well-being of millions. As a Tech Intern, you will collaborate with experienced technologists on initiatives that may include project management, agile development, software and cloud engineering, data science and analytics, user experience (UI/UX), machine learning, and cybersecurity. You will have the opportunity to leverage cutting-edge tools and methodologies to solve real-world challenges, build new skills, and make a meaningful impact in healthcare technology while launching your career at Humana. The internship program is hosted in-person at Humana’s Headquarters in Louisville, KY, providing a rich experience of our corporate culture and direct mentorship from industry leaders. Qualification requirements:
QURiSE at UMD - October 23rd-25th
Who: Undergraduate Students The University of Maryland Physics Department will be hosting QURiSE, October 23rd-25th. Undergraduate students involved in quantum research or who have quantum internship experience are encouraged to apply. If you have any questions, we're happy to answer at qurise-conference@umd.edu. UPOP application deadline: Friday, 9/18
Who: Undergraduate Students (Second Years) The Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program (UPOP) is a year-long career readiness program for MIT sophomores focused on helping you learn foundational job search and career exploration skills while developing human-centric skills that will help you go on to navigate a changing professional world, drive innovation, and collaborate effectively. Joining UPOP Gets You:
UPOP's application is now open! Apply by September 18th and gain critical skills to further your career your sophomore year. New Goldwater Summer Research Internship Program
Who: Undergraduate Students (First and Second Years) The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation has launched the Barry Goldwater Summer Research Internship Program, a new initiative supporting outstanding freshmen and sophomores pursuing research careers in science, engineering, and mathematics. Beginning in summer 2027, the program will fund 20 research positions in Chemistry, Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering, Engineering, Life Sciences, and Physics and Astronomy at laboratories across the country. Selected interns will participate in a 10-week research experience and receive $10,500 in financial support. Applications are due November 2, 2026, and award notifications will be issued by January 15, 2027. Additional information and application materials are available at: https://goldwaterinternship.gov. Fall 2027 Physics MS and PhD study at Wake Forest
Who: Undergraduate Students Wake Forest Physics is accepting applications for Fall 2027 MS and PhD study, including our MS and certificate options in quantum information sciences. For PhD applicants, we are especially interested in students whose interests align with:
Application deadline: January 8, 2027 Current support information is on the attached flyer. Program and application details: https://physics.wfu.edu/graduate-programs/application/ SPAMS – the Simple Person’s Applied Math Seminar is seeking speakers for fall!
Who: Graduate Students and Postdocs Welcome back to another year of SPAMS – the Simple Person’s Applied Math Seminar. This seminar is held every Thursday 6-6:45pm starting September 10th (building 2, location TBD). We feature talks by graduate students on a variety of applied math topics, from combinatorics to scientific computing to theoretical physics. After the talk, stick around for a free catered dinner in the common room! This is a great opportunity to practice speaking in a casual and friendly setting. We encourage speakers from all years and fields to sign up. You are welcome to share a recent project or publication, explore open problems, or simply present a random topic that you are excited about. Just aim to keep your talk accessible to folks outside your specific field so all can enjoy! We’re now looking for speakers for this Fall! If you’d like to give a talk, sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1KQ2sOtaD8fbgl_puzZUOsyQJtX9gUEEDeCxf3ZmV6Bg/ We’d especially love volunteers to kick off the early weeks of the term, as those spots are always the hardest to fill! SPAMS is not restricted to math graduate students: share this form with your friends outside of math who’d be interested in giving a talk! We’ve previously had many speakers from EECS, Engineering, Physics, and so on. Anyone who wishes to receive talk announcements but is not a math grad student can sign up for the mailing list (or just shoot us an email). Path of Professorship - Call for Applications
Who: Graduate Students and Postdocs Are you a Ph.D. student looking to energize your dissertation with world-class scientific power at a DOE laboratory or facility? The DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program is now accepting applications for 2026 Solicitation 2, due November 4, 2026, 5:00 PM ET (https://apps.orau.gov/SCGSR/Account/Login). Attend the upcoming Application Assistance Workshops to learn more about the DOE SCGSR program, receive application guidance, and field questions to program area scientists! Application Assistance Workshops
Additional Questions? Attend our weekly virtual office hours: Fridays 1:00-2:00 PM ET from September 4th to October 30th, 2026. |
