Aron Bernstein, professor emeritus of physics, dies at 88
Bernstein was a member of the Hadronic Physics Group in the Laboratory for Nuclear Science, and a longtime anti-nuclear weapons activist.
Study: State-level adoption of renewable energy standards saves money and lives
MIT researchers review renewable energy and carbon pricing policies as states consider repealing or relaxing renewable portfolio standards.
Study uses physics to explain democratic elections
U.S. elections have become more “unstable,” sometimes swinging in the opposite direction from the greater electorate’s preferences.
3 Questions: Maria Zuber on guidance for foreign nationals following recent Homeland Security memo
Vice president for research clarifies the memo’s intention and provides guidance.
Tracking emissions in China
Evaluating a 2014 policy change yields some good news and some concerns.
Anoushka Bose: Targeting a career in security studies and diplomacy
Nuclear science and engineering and physics met political science to illuminate a new path.
3 Questions: Shola Lawal on human rights and social justice
The Nigerian journalist is the recipient of a prestigious fellowship that provides residencies at MIT, The Boston Globe, and The New York Times.
Technology and Policy Program launches Research to Policy Engagement Initiative
Initiative will support efforts to inform policy with scientific research.
3 Questions: Jonathan Gruber on academics engaging with policymakers
Professor of economics cites the importance of initiatives like the MIT Policy Lab, which helps academics focus some energy on influencing public policy.
J-PAL North America announces five new partnerships with state and local governments
New partners will work with J-PAL to develop rigorous evaluations of policies related to criminal justice, health, housing stability, and economic security.
3 Questions: Ariel White on the impact of incarceration on voting
The political consequence of even short jail terms is disproportionately pushing African-American voters out of the electorate.
MIT student voting rates climb to nearly 40 percent
New technologies and campus engagement helped to spur a 26.4 percent increase in voting rates from 2014 to 2018.
What makes for better bureaucracy?
Political science PhD candidates Guillermo Toral and Tugba Bozcaga find that government-appointed officials deliver the goods — given the right circumstances.
!["In my view," says MIT Professor Elizabeth Wood, "the core motivation behind [election] interference is Russia's two-fold belief a) that the most important goal of the Russian state is world power status and b) that such status cannot be achieved without recourse to espionage and manipulation."](/sites/default/files/styles/term_page__news_article/public/images/201910/MIT-SHASS-elizabeth-wood.jpg?itok=eHrV6DI4)
3 Questions: Historian Elizabeth Wood on election interference
How do we understand Russia’s multi-layered interference in the 2016 elections? A Russia expert and professor of history analyzes Russia’s motives.
How cities can leverage citizen data while protecting privacy
Study offers models for preserving the privacy of citizens while using their data to improve government services.