The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) stands as a testament to the strength of diversity, drawing talent from every corner of the globe.
This global profile not only fosters innovation within MIT itself but also significantly contributes to the broader success of the United States.
As President Ronald Reagan noted in 1989, America thrives on its ability to attract individuals from around the world, continuously renewing and enriching the nation.
President Sally Kornbluth emphasizes, “To find people with the drive, skill, and daring to see, discover, and invent things no one else can, we open ourselves to talent from every corner of the United States and from around the globe.”
She acknowledges that while MIT is an American university, it is profoundly enriched by international students and scholars.
The institute has welcomed countless individuals who have gone on to make significant contributions to science, technology, and entrepreneurship, thereby bolstering the U.S. economy.
During the 2023-24 school year alone, international students at MIT are projected to contribute over $264 million to the American economy.
In an effort to showcase its global character, MIT’s Office of the Vice Provost for International Activities has launched a video series titled “The World at MIT,” featuring 20 faculty members who share their diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Many of these faculty members dreamed of coming to MIT while growing up in various countries, and upon joining the institution, they have played pivotal roles in maintaining global leadership in scientific innovation.
L. Rafael Reif, MIT President Emeritus, joined the faculty in 1980 and recalls being captivated by the richness of MIT’s diverse culture.
He states, “There is no richer place than MIT, because every point of view is here. That is what makes the place so special.”
More than 17,000 MIT alumni from abroad contribute to the U.S. landscape and economy, with many founding their own companies and generating substantial economic activity.
A noteworthy aspect of MIT’s international influence is reflected in the fact that one-third of its 104 Nobel laureates were born outside the United States, further attesting to the institute’s ability to attract top-tier talent.
Among these prestigious scholars is Moungi Bawendi, the Lester Wolfe Professor of Chemistry, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2023 for his groundbreaking work on quantum dots.
Bawendi, who spent his childhood in France and Tunisia before moving to the U.S., attributes his success to the extraordinary environment at MIT, which he describes as collaborative and rich in talent.
“I couldn’t have done my first three years here, which eventually got me a Nobel Prize, without having really bold, smart, adventurous graduate students,” he reflects.
This spirit of collaboration resonates with Akintunde Ibitayo (Tayo) Akinwande, a professor in electrical engineering and computer science, who grew up in Nigeria.
He notes, “Anytime I teach a class, I always learn something from my students’ probing questions. It gives me new insights sometimes, and that’s always the kind of environment I like — where I’m learning something new all the time.”
MIT’s global atmosphere transcends the classroom and laboratory.
In the last academic year, 43 percent of undergraduates engaged in international experiences, whether through courses at foreign universities, research opportunities, or internships with multinational companies.
Faculty and students alike frequently participate in research outside of the United States, tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
This approach embodies MIT’s motto of “mens et manus” or “mind and hand,” reflecting a commitment to education that encourages practical application.
Nergis Mavalvala, the Marble Professor of Astrophysics and dean of the School of Science, considers her role at MIT a dream come true.
She states, “Everybody here wants to make the world a better place and are using their intellectual gifts and their education to do so.”
Daniela Rus, the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Professor and director of MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, echoes Mavalvala’s sentiments.
She emphasizes her journey at MIT as a unique blend of science, mathematics, and innovation, saying, “I’ve been here for two decades, and it’s been an extraordinary journey.”
Yukiko Yamashita, a professor of biology, reflects on her own experiences growing up in Japan, expressing that at MIT, unconventional ideas thrive, and intellectual freedom prevails.
“There is something sacred about doing science. That’s how I grew up,” she explains.
The “World at MIT” video series illustrates the rich and diverse backgrounds of its faculty, demonstrating how varied experiences enhance MIT’s teaching and research environment.
Duane Boning, Vice Provost for International Activities, underscores the importance of this global community.
He asserts, “Our global community’s multiplicity of ideas, experiences, and perspectives contributes enormously to MIT’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit and, by extension, to the innovation and competitiveness of the U.S.”
Boning concludes that both MIT and the U.S. benefit significantly when harnessing the talents of the world’s brightest individuals.
Together, they foster a collaborative spirit that drives innovation and contributes to society at large.
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