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Grand Challenges and Engineering Systems: Inspiring and Educating the Next Generation

Engineering Systems Division hosts the second annual International Engineering Systems Symposium


ESD researchers study the complex social/technological questions that “will increasingly determine the future,” says Susan Hockfield. At MIT, Hockfield's job “is to lower boundaries that still exist between departments, and schools. By bringing together faculty, ESD creates enormous energy."

In this keynote talk, MIT President Emeritus Charles Vest wants to capture the passion of the next generation through some “soul stirring.” Through a campaign involving government, industry and media, Vest hopes to convince young people that engineers are vital to meeting the “Engineering Grand Challenges” of global warming and sustainable energy, improving medicine and healthcare delivery, reducing vulnerability to human and natural threats, and expanding and enhancing human capability and joy (a somewhat unusual category for engineers, Vest admits).

(From MIT World)

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