MIT in the media: 2025 in review
MIT community members made headlines with key research advances and their efforts to tackle pressing challenges.
Guided learning lets “untrainable” neural networks realize their potential
CSAIL researchers find even “untrainable” neural nets can learn effectively when guided by another network’s built-in biases using their guidance method.
A new way to increase the capabilities of large language models
MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab researchers developed an expressive architecture that provides better state tracking and sequential reasoning in LLMs over long texts.
A “scientific sandbox” lets researchers explore the evolution of vision systems
The AI-powered tool could inform the design of better sensors and cameras for robots or autonomous vehicles.
“Robot, make me a chair”
An AI-driven system lets users design and build simple, multicomponent objects by describing them with words.
3 Questions: Using computation to study the world’s best single-celled chemists
Assistant Professor Yunha Hwang utilizes microbial genomes to examine the language of biology. Her appointment reflects MIT’s commitment to exploring the intersection of genetics research and AI.
Working to eliminate barriers to adopting nuclear energy
Nuclear waste continues to be a bottleneck in the widespread use of nuclear energy, so doctoral student Dauren Sarsenbayev is developing models to address the problem.
Deep-learning model predicts how fruit flies form, cell by cell
The approach could apply to more complex tissues and organs, helping researchers to identify early signs of disease.
Enabling small language models to solve complex reasoning tasks
The “self-steering” DisCIPL system directs small models to work together on tasks with constraints, like itinerary planning and budgeting.
New MIT program to train military leaders for the AI age
The new certificate program will equip naval officers with skills needed to solve the military’s hardest problems.
New method improves the reliability of statistical estimations
The technique can help scientists in economics, public health, and other fields understand whether to trust the results of their experiments.
New materials could boost the energy efficiency of microelectronics
By stacking multiple active components based on new materials on the back end of a computer chip, this new approach reduces the amount of energy wasted during computation.
MIT affiliates named 2025 Schmidt Sciences AI2050 Fellows
Postdoc Zongyi Li, Associate Professor Tess Smidt, and seven additional alumni will be supported in the development of AI against difficult problems.
MIT researchers “speak objects into existence” using AI and robotics
The speech-to-reality system combines 3D generative AI and robotic assembly to create objects on demand.
Robots that spare warehouse workers the heavy lifting
Founded by MIT alumni, the Pickle Robot Company has developed machines that can autonomously load and unload trucks inside warehouses and logistic centers.