MIT has been named among the top US schools for long-term career success in a new LinkedIn ranking, reports Ava Berger for The Boston Globe. “The list compiles public member data from the networking platform based on five factors: job placement, internships and recruiter demand, career success, network strength, and 'the unique skills' gained by graduates,” writes Berger.
Prof. Daron Acemoglu speaks with WBUR’s Here & Now co-host Scott Tong about the role of institutions in the overall prosperity of nations and some of the current challenges facing the US. “It’s a very important part of rebuilding democracy that we have to make experts trusted again. And that has to start with us,” says Acemoglu. “We have to be much more down to Earth. We have to be honest about when we are certain of something and when we are uncertain. And, I think we have to make certain that it’s not our political views that drive our advice or our analysis.”
Prof. David Autor speaks with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria about how China moving into sectors like robotics, AI, quantum computing, fusion power, telecommunications, aviation and more could significantly impact the U.S. economy. Autor notes that by focusing on the last trade war with China, “the U.S. is distracting itself from the really formidable challenge we find ourselves facing now from China’s incredible innovative capacity and very, very intensive investment.”
Prof. David Autor speaks with CNBC about how Chinese industrial policies could impact the United States. “The U.S. needs to recognize that it would be much more effective if it worked with its allies,” says Autor.
Writing for The New York Times, Prof. David Autor and Prof. Gordon Hanson of Harvard explore how China is “aggressively contesting the innovative sectors where the United States has long been the unquestioned leader." To avoid a second China Shock, they emphasize that the United States “must nourish industries that have high potential for innovation, funded by joint investments by the private and public sectors.”
In his new book, “The Comedy of Computation: Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Obsolescence,” Prof. Benjamin Mangrum explores how comedy can be a useful tool in a world “increasingly shaped by algorithms, automation, and artificial intelligence,” reports Ed Publica. “As we move deeper into an era of smart machines, digital identities, and algorithmic decision-making, Mangrum’s book reminds us that a well-placed joke might still be one of our most human responses,” they write.
In an opinion piece for Bloomberg, Gautam Mukunda PhD '10 highlights the importance of federally funded scientific research. “Today, the federal government’s best investment is scientific research,” writes Mukunda. “The Federal Reserve estimates that support for science has a 150% to 300% return. Few investors have a track record as good.”
Prof. David Autor speaks with ABC News reporter Max Zahn about how AI will affect the job market. "We're not good at predicting what the new work will be; we're good at predicting how current work will change," says Autor.
Prof. Anantha Chandrakasan speaks with The Boston Globe reporter Jon Chesto about his new role as provost and his goals for the Institute. “To be in the administration, you have to understand the perspectives of the individual faculty members, the students, and the post-docs,” he said. “I want to be in the trenches, not separated from the pack.”
Following his appointment as Institute provost, Prof. Anantha Chandrakasan has been honored at a celebratory event by the Foundation of Indian Americans of New England and the Indian Consulate of New York, reports News India. “As Provost, I am committed to advancing excellence in research, innovation, and education,” says Chandrakasan.
Prof. Anantha Chandrakasan was honored by the Indian American community in New England and the Consulate General of India in New York as he enters his new role as MIT provost, reports Abhinav Sharma for Diya TV. “I am deeply grateful for this honor,” says Chandrakasan. “The support from this community has played an integral role in my journey. As Provost, I am committed to advancing excellence in research, innovation, and education. Together, we will shape a future defined by meaningful progress and global impact.”
A new research paper by Prof. David Autor and Principal Research Scientist Neil Thompson explores the forthcoming impact of AI on jobs, reports Tim Harford for Financial Times. “[W]hile there are few certainties, Autor and Thompson’s framework does suggest a clarifying question: does AI look like it is going to do the most highly skilled part of your job or the low-skill rump that you’ve not been able to get rid of?,” writes Harford. “The answer to that question may help to predict whether your job is about to get more fun or more annoying — and whether your salary is likely to rise, or fall as your expert work is devalued like the expert work of the Luddites.”
Prof. David Autor joins Possible podcast hosts Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger to discuss everything from the cross-country road trip that helped inspire his research focused on technology, work and inequality to how AI might impact American workers. Autor notes that if AI technologies are implemented in the best way possible for humankind, “we would give people more secure and fulfilling work. We would give them more access to education and access to better healthcare, everywhere. And those things alone would improve welfare in so many dimensions. Not just in terms of material standard living, not just in comfort, but investing in our kids, creating opportunity for the next generation.”
Prof. Jonathan Gruber speaks with Newsweek reporter Jasmine Laws about the increase in cigarette taxes in various states across the United States. “There is a large body of economic evidence that shows that higher taxes will reduce smoking – particularly among the young and the poor,” says Gruber. “The downside is that the poor will pay more for cigarettes, stretching their budgets, but that is largely offset by the fact that they will smoke less. If the revenues are used to fund smoking cessation efforts among the poor, which have shown to be effective, this is a great policy opportunity."
American Kahan spotlights Prof. Anantha Chandrakasan, MIT’s chief innovation and strategy office and dean of MIT’s School of Engineering, who was recently named the Institute’s new provost. “As Chandrakasan prepares to guide MIT through this evolving landscape, he remains grounded in the principles that have shaped his career: excellence, innovation, and collaboration,” writes American Kahan.