mit biology phd requirements

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Aeronautics and astronautics, biological engineering, biophysics graduate certificate program, brain and cognitive sciences, chemical engineering, civil and environmental engineering (environmental microbiology), computational and systems biology, earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences, hst - health, sciences and technology, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, microbiology program, nuclear science and engineering, sloan mba with a health care focus, sts- science, technology, and society, whoi joint program, writing and humanistic studies, life sciences at mit.

Many areas of research today have a Life Sciences focus. This is primarily due to the powerful tools of molecular biology, which form a common language and allow exciting and important interdisciplinary approaches. Experience in Life Sciences-based research opens multiple career paths.

This site collates the broad array of MIT graduate degree programs with a primary focus on biological questions, or that can include a Life Sciences focus. Applications for graduate study should be made through the appropriate program. Please explore this site, and our program offerings!

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Computational and Systems Biology PhD Program

Computational and systems biology.

The field of computational and systems biology represents a synthesis of ideas and approaches from the life sciences, physical sciences, computer science, and engineering. Recent advances in biology, including the human genome project and massively parallel approaches to probing biological samples, have created new opportunities to understand biological problems from a systems perspective. Systems modeling and design are well established in engineering disciplines but are newer in biology. Advances in computational and systems biology require multidisciplinary teams with skill in applying principles and tools from engineering and computer science to solve problems in biology and medicine. To provide education in this emerging field, the Computational and Systems Biology (CSB) program integrates MIT's world-renowned disciplines in biology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science. Graduates of the program are uniquely prepared to make novel discoveries, develop new methods, and establish new paradigms. They are also well-positioned to assume critical leadership roles in both academia and industry, where this field is becoming increasingly important.

Computational and systems biology, as practiced at MIT, is organized around "the 3 Ds" of description, distillation, and design. In many research programs, systematic data collection is used to create detailed molecular- or cellular-level descriptions of a system in one or more defined states. Given the complexity of biological systems and the number of interacting components and parameters, system modeling is often conducted with the aim of distilling the essential or most important subsystems, components, and parameters, and of obtaining simplified models that retain the ability to accurately predict system behavior under a wide range of conditions. Distillation of the system can increase the interpretability of the models in relation to evolutionary and engineering principles such as robustness, modularity, and evolvability. The resulting models may also serve to facilitate rational design of perturbations to test understanding of the system or to change system behavior (e.g., for therapeutic intervention), as well as efforts to design related systems or systems composed of similar biological components.

CSB Faculty and Research

More than 70 faculty members at the Institute participate in MIT's Computational and Systems Biology Initiative (CSBi). These investigators span nearly all departments in the School of Science and the School of Engineering, providing CSB students the opportunity to pursue thesis research in a wide variety of different laboratories. It is also possible for students to arrange collaborative thesis projects with joint supervision by faculty members with different areas of expertise. Areas of active research include computational biology and bioinformatics, gene and protein networks, regulatory genomics, molecular biophysics, instrumentation engineering, cell and tissue engineering, predictive toxicology and metabolic engineering, imaging and image informatics, nanobiology and microsystems, biological design and synthetic biology, neurosystems biology, and cancer biology.

The CSB PhD Program

The CSB PhD program is an Institute-wide program that has been jointly developed by the Departments of Biology, Biological Engineering, and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The program integrates biology, engineering, and computation to address complex problems in biological systems, and CSB PhD students have the opportunity to work with CSBi faculty from across the Institute. The curriculum has a strong emphasis on foundational material to encourage students to become creators of future tools and technologies, rather than merely practitioners of current approaches. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in biology (or a related field), bioinformatics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, or an engineering discipline, with dual-emphasis degrees encouraged.

CSB Graduate Education

All students pursue a core curriculum that includes classes in biology and computational biology, along with a class in computational and systems biology based on the scientific literature. Advanced electives in science and engineering enhance both the breadth and depth of each student's education. During their first year, in addition to coursework, students carry out rotations in multiple research groups to gain a broader exposure to work at the frontier of this field, and to identify a suitable laboratory in which to conduct thesis research. CSB students also serve as teaching assistants during one semester in the second year to further develop their teaching and communication skills and facilitate their interactions across disciplines. Students also participate in training in the responsible conduct of research to prepare them for the complexities and demands of modern scientific research. The total length of the program, including classwork, qualifying examinations, thesis research, and preparation of the thesis is roughly five years.

The CSB curriculum has two components. The first is a core that provides foundational knowledge of both biology and computational biology. The second is a customized program of electives that is selected by each student in consultation with members of the CSB graduate committee. The goal is to allow students broad latitude in defining their individual area of interest, while at the same time providing oversight and guidance to ensure that training is rigorous and thorough.

Core Curriculum

The core curriculum consists of three classroom subjects plus a set of three research rotations in different research groups. The classroom subjects fall into three areas described below.

Modern Biology (One Subject): A term of modern biology at MIT strengthens the biology base of all students in the program. Subjects in biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, or neurobiology fulfill this requirement. The particular course taken by each student will depend on their background and will be determined in consultation with graduate committee members.

Computational Biology (One Subject): A term of computational biology provides students with a background in the application of computation to biology, including analysis and modeling of sequence, structural, and systems data. This requirement can be fulfilled by 7.91[J] / 20.490[J] Foundations of Computational and Systems Biology.

Topics in Computational and Systems Biology (One Subject): All first-year students in the program participate in / 7.89[J] Topics in Computational and Systems Biology, an exploration of problems and approaches in the field of computational and systems biology through in-depth discussion and critical analysis of selected primary research papers. This subject is restricted to first-year PhD students in CSB or related fields in order to build a strong community among the class. It is the only subject in the program with such a limitation.

Research Group Rotations (Three Rotations): To assist students with lab selection and provide a range of research activities in computational and systems biology, students participate in three research rotations of one to two months' duration during their first year. Students are encouraged to gain experience in experimental and computational approaches taken across different disciplines at MIT.

Advanced Electives

The requirement of four advanced electives is designed to develop both breadth and depth. The electives add to the base of the diversified core and contribute strength in areas related to student interest and research direction. To develop depth, two of the four advanced electives must be in the same research area or department. To develop breadth, at least one of the electives must be in engineering and at least one in science. Each student designs a program of advanced electives that satisfies the distribution and area requirements in close consultation with members of the graduate committee.

Additional Subjects: As is typical for students in other doctoral programs at MIT, CSB PhD students may take classes beyond the required diversified core and advanced electives described above. These additional subjects can be used to add breadth or depth to the proposed curriculum, and might be useful to explore advanced topics relevant to the student's thesis research in later years. The CSB Graduate Committee works with each graduate student to develop a path through the curriculum appropriate for his or her background and research interests.

Training in the Responsible Conduct of Research: Throughout the program, students will be expected to attend workshops and other activities that provide training in the ethical conduct of research. This is particularly important in interdisciplinary fields such as computational and systems biology, where different disciplines often have very different philosophies and conventions. By the end of the fourth year, students will have had about 16 hours of training in the responsible conduct of research.

Qualifying Exams: In addition to coursework and a research thesis, each student must pass a written and an oral qualifying examination at the end of the second year or the beginning of the third year. The written examination involves preparing a research proposal based on the student's thesis research, and presenting the proposal to the examination committee. This process provides a strong foundation for the thesis research, incorporating new research ideas and refinement of the scope of the research project. The oral examination is based on the coursework taken and on related published literature. The qualifying exams are designed to develop and demonstrate depth in a selected area (the area of the thesis research) as well as breadth of knowledge across the field of computational and systems biology.

Thesis Research: Research will be performed under the supervision of a CSBi faculty member, culminating in the submission of a written thesis and its oral defense before the community and thesis defense committee. By the second year, a student will have formed a thesis advisory committee that they will meet with on an annual basis.

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Overview of the Biological Engineering (BE) PhD Program

MIT Biological Engineering’s mission is to generate and communicate new knowledge in the application of engineering principles in biological systems and to educate leaders in our discipline. We focus at the interface of engineering and biology by combining quantitative, physical, and integrative engineering principles with modern life sciences research to lead the field in the positive impacts of our research and effectiveness of our training programs. MIT BE offers a graduate PhD degree, and only accepts PhD applications through the annual Departmental process for admission fall term of the following year. Our program is an excellent match for ambitious applicants with extraordinary qualifications who want to advance the intellectual boundaries of biological engineering and make positive impacts on society through the creative and rigorous application of research in biological engineering.

PhD-level training in BE prepares students to conduct research that will:

• Explain how biological systems function in terms of biological/chemical/physical mechanisms, and how they respond when perturbed by endogenous, environmental, and therapeutic factors
• Engineer innovative technologies based on this understanding and apply technologies to address societal needs across all sectors including, but not limited to, biomedicine
• Establish new biology-based paradigms for solving problems in areas of science and engineering that have not historically been impacted by biological approaches

In addition, PhD-level training in BE prepares students to translate this research for positive impact in the world by developing skills to:

• Explain technical subject matter clearly, accurately, and in a compelling and contextual manner for a range of audiences
• Engage collaboratively in diverse teams to contribute biological engineering expertise needed for multidisciplinary projects
• Exercise intellectual and operational leadership to advance on goals in technically and organizationally complex scenarios
• Exhibit integrity and ethical judgment in the design of research and the application of research results

Degree Requirements

BE PhD students complete two core courses in the first year, supplemented with four additional electives ( Course Requirements ). Individual students pace their own progress through elective coursework in consultation with their academic advisor.

In addition to the course requirements, students perform a qualifying exam with written and oral components and submit a thesis proposal to be completed by the end of the fall term in their third year.

BE PhD students complete research rotations in the fall and winter of their first year and select a BE Faculty member as a research and thesis advisor. Students carry out thesis research with the guidance and support of their faculty advisor and a thesis committee formed by the student. Technical communication is an important part of the BE PhD curriculum. Students gain and practice scientific communication skills through one or more terms of teaching experience at the graduate or undergraduate level and research-focused activities including poster and oral presentations at Departmental events including our retreat, the Bioengineering and Toxicology Seminar (BATS) series, and culminating in delivery of a written PhD thesis and oral defense of their thesis work.

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PhD Biology Program from MIT: Acceptance Rate, Application, Stipend and Ranking

• Updated on  
• Feb 29, 2024

MIT University is the world’s top university, known for its excellence in the fields of engineering, technology, and science. Currently ranking at #1 globally , the institute offers top-notch education up to doctoral levels. It also offers general and specialist degrees in these disciplines, such as the MIT PhD Biology program. But how competitive is it? What are the requirements, deadlines, and benefits of being a doctoral student at MIT? In this blog, we will answer these questions and more, as we explore the acceptance rate, application process, stipend, and ranking of MIT’s PhD biology program. Read on to know more!

This Blog Includes:

Mit phd biology program: overview, mit phd biology program: ranking, mit phd biology program: acceptance rate, mit phd biology program: stipend, entry requirements, important dates, documents required.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Department of Biology offers a PhD program in Biology, allowing students to pursue research in various areas within the broad field. The program is designed to train students to become independent researchers who can significantly contribute to the field.

The program offers a strong foundation in the fundamentals of biology, and the opportunity to specialise in a particular area of research. Students have the opportunity to work with world-renowned faculty members on cutting-edge research projects.

Here’s an overview of the different specializations offered by the program:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Computational and Systems Biology
• Cancer Biology
• Molecular Medicine
• Neuroscience

Also Read: PhD at Columbia University: Courses Overview, Tuition Fees and Duration

Similar to the institute, the MIT PhD Biology program has also maintained its international reputation. The graduate research program has stood at #2 from 2017-2023 according to QS World University Rankings by Subject. Other frameworks like the National Academy of Sciences and US News and World Report place the program in the top 5 on a national level.

Due to its world-class reputation, the acceptance rate of MIT’s PhD Biology program is also low, ranging from 10-15% . This indicates the competitive nature of the program, admitting only a handful of students every year. So aspiring applicants need to have a very strong academic background to secure a spot in this prestigious institute.

The stipend offered by the MIT PhD Biology program varies with the type of appointment, such as research assistantship (RA), teaching assistantship (TA), or fellowship. According to the MIT Office of Graduate Education, the monthly stipend rates for the academic year 2023-2024 are as follows:

These rates are based on a 12-month appointment and include full tuition coverage and individual health insurance. The annual stipend ranges from USD 43,787 – 49,062 , and departments have the freedom to set higher rates that are in line with their funding policies. Additionally, students can apply for external fellowships from various organizations that offer different stipend amounts and benefits.

Also Read: PhD in Chemistry at Edinburgh University: Entry Requirements, Cost, Application Process

Here are the entry requirements for international students applying to the MIT PhD Biology program:

• A Master’s degree in Biology or a closely related field from an accredited university.
•  Consistently high GPA throughout undergraduate and graduate studies.
• 3 strong letters of recommendation from professors familiar with your academic work and research experience.
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for the Biology PhD program.
• Proof of English language proficiency through TOEFL and IELTS.
• A well-written statement of purpose outlining your research interests, career goals, and reasons for applying to the program.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
• Research experience through previous lab work, internships, or research projects.

MIT PhD Biology Program: Application Process

Here’s an overview of the application process for the PhD program in Biology at MIT University:

•  Thoroughly read the information on the program website, particularly the “ Application Process ” section.
• Fill out the application form as per the instructions given on the official page of the program and submit it well in advance.
• The program reviews applications considering various factors like academic record, research experience, research fit, and the statement of purpose.
• Shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews, in person or virtually.
• Applicants will receive their admission decisions by email in the spring.

Given below are some important dates regarding the MIT PhD Biology program. Students must keep these dates in mind to apply timely:

• Completed online application form
• Statement of purpose (SOP)
• Academic Transcripts
• English Language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL)
• Research proposals or publications

Relevant Reads:

Answer: The PhD in Biology program at the institute is very competitive, with its acceptance rate ranging from 10-15%.

Answer: A strong application for the MIT PhD Biology program should showcase the following elements: 1. Stellar academic record 2. Compelling research experience 3. Strong recommendation letters 4. Well-crafted statement of purpose

Answer: Yes, MIT’s PhD Biology program is fully funded, meaning it covers full tuition and provides a generous stipend to help with living expenses. MIT also offers health insurance to its PhD students. It allows students to focus on their academic and research pursuits without financial burdens.

We hope that this blog gave you a detailed insight into the MIT PhD Biology program. Keep following Leverage Edu for more content on study abroad courses like this. Thank you for reading!

Disha Kaira

Disha is an electrical engineer turned writer passionate about bringing a spark (and accuracy) to whatever content she comes across. Whether it's UI/UX Design or writing blogs on abroad education, she relishes every chance to learn and test the limits of her creativity.

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Admissions Requirements

The following are general requirements you should meet to apply to the MIT Sloan PhD Program. Complete instructions concerning application requirements are available in the online application.

General Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• A strong quantitative background (the Accounting group requires calculus)
• Exposure to microeconomics and macroeconomics (the Accounting group requires microeconomics)

A Guide to Business PhD Applications by Abhishek Nagaraj (PhD 2016) may be of interest.

Application Components

Statement of purpose.

Your written statement is your chance to convince the admissions committee that you will do excellent doctoral work and that you have the promise to have a successful career as an academic researcher. 

GMAT/GRE Scores

We require either a valid GMAT or valid GRE score. At-home testing is allowed. Your unofficial score report from the testing institution is sufficient for application. If you are admitted to the program, you will be required to submit your official test score for verification.    

We do not have a minimum score requirement. We do not offer test waivers. Registration information for the GMAT (code X5X-QS-21) and GRE (code 3510) may be obtained at www.mba.com and www.ets.org respectively.

TOEFL/IELTS Scores

We require either a valid TOEFL (minimum score 577 PBT/90 IBT ) or valid IELTS (minimum score 7) for all non-native English speakers. Your unofficial score report from the testing institution is sufficient for application. If you are admitted to the program, you will be required to submit your official test score for verification.    Registration information for TOEFL (code 3510) and IELTS may be obtained at www.toefl.org and www.ielts.org respectively.

The TOEFL/IELTS test requirement is waived only if you meet one of the following criteria:

• You are a native English speaker.
• You attended all years of an undergraduate program conducted solely in English, and are a graduate of that program.

Please do not contact the PhD Program regarding waivers, as none will be discussed. If, upon review, the faculty are interested in your application with a missing required TOEFL or IELTS score, we may contact you at that time to request a score.

Transcripts

We require unofficial copies of transcripts for each college or university you have attended, even if no degree was awarded. If these transcripts are in a language other than English, we also require a copy of a certified translation. In addition, you will be asked to list the five most relevant courses you have taken.

Letters of Recommendation

We require three letters of recommendation. Academic letters are preferred, especially those providing evidence of research potential. We allow for an optional  fourth recommendation, but no more than four recommendations are allowed.

Your resume should be no more than two pages. You may chose to include teaching, professional experience, research experience, publications, and other accomplishments in outside activities.

Writing Sample(s)

Applicants are encouraged to submit a writing sample. For applicants to the Finance group, a writing sample is required. There are no specific guidelines for your writing sample. Possible options include (but are not limited to) essays, masters’ theses, capstone projects, or research papers.

Video Essay

A video essay is required for the Accounting research group and optional for the Marketing and System Dynamics research groups. The essay is a short and informal video answering why you selected this research group and a time where you creatively solved a problem. The video can be recorded with your phone or computer, and should range from 2 to 5 minutes in length. There is no attention — zero emphasis! — on the production value of your video.  

Nondiscrimination Policy: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. For complete text of MIT’s Nondiscrimination Statement, please click  here .

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A crossroads for computing at MIT

By terri park.

April 16, 2024 | Schwarzman College of Computing

On Vassar Street, in the heart of MIT’s campus, the MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing recently opened the doors to its new headquarters in Building 45. The building’s central location and welcoming design will help form a new cluster of connectivity at MIT and enable the space to have a multifaceted role. 

“The college has a broad mandate for computing across MIT,” says Daniel Huttenlocher, dean of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing and the Henry Ellis Warren Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. “The building is designed to be the computing crossroads of the campus. It’s a place to bring a mix of people together to connect, engage, and catalyze collaborations in computing, and a home to a related set of computing research groups from multiple departments and labs.”

“Computing is the defining technology of our time and it will continue to be, well into the future,” says MIT President Sally Kornbluth. “As the people of MIT make progress in high-impact fields from AI to climate, this fantastic new building will enable collaboration across computing, engineering, biological science, economics, and countless other fields, encouraging the cross-pollination of ideas that inspires us to generate fresh solutions. The college has opened its doors at just the right time.”

A physical embodiment

An approximately 178,000 square foot eight-floor structure, the building is designed to be a physical embodiment of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing’s three-fold mission: strengthen core computer science and artificial intelligence; infuse the forefront of computing with disciplines across MIT; and advance social, ethical, and policy dimensions of computing.

Oriented for the campus community and the public to come in and engage with the college, the first two floors of the building encompass multiple convening areas, including a 60-seat classroom, a 250-seat lecture hall, and an assortment of spaces for studying and social interactions.

Academic activity has commenced in both the lecture hall and classroom this semester with 13 classes for undergraduate and graduate students. Subjects include 6.C35/6.C85 (Interactive Data Visualization and Society), a class taught by faculty from the departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) and Urban Studies and Planning. The class was created as part of the  Common Ground for Computing Education , a cross-cutting initiative of the college that brings multiple departments together to develop and teach new courses and launch new programs that blend computing with other disciplines.

“The new college building is catering not only to educational and research needs, but also fostering extensive community connections. It has been particularly exciting to see faculty teaching classes in the building and the lobby bustling with students on any given day, engrossed in their studies or just enjoying the space while taking a break,” says Asu Ozdaglar, deputy dean of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing and head of EECS.

The building will also accommodate 50 computing research groups, which correspond to the number of new faculty the college is hiring — 25 in core computing positions and 25 in shared positions with departments at MIT. These groups bring together a mix of new and existing teams in related research areas spanning floors four through seven of the building.

In mid-January, the initial two dozen research groups moved into the building, including faculty from the departments of EECS; Aeronautics and Astronautics; Brain and Cognitive Sciences; Mechanical Engineering; and Economics who are affiliated with the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and the Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems. The research groups form a coherent overall cluster in deep learning and generative AI, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, reinforcement learning, game theoretic methods, and societal impact of AI.

More will follow suit, including some of the 10 faculty who have been hired into  shared positions  by the college with the departments of Brain and Cognitive Sciences; Chemical Engineering; Comparative Media Studies and Writing; Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences; Music and Theater Arts; Mechanical Engineering; Nuclear Science and Engineering; Political Science; and the MIT Sloan School of Management.

“I eagerly anticipate the building’s expansion of opportunities, facilitating the development of even deeper connections the college has made so far spanning all five schools,” says Anantha Chandrakasan, chief innovation and strategy officer, dean of the School of Engineering, and the Vannevar Bush Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Other college programs and activities that are being supported in the building include the MIT Quest for Intelligence, Center for Computational Science and Engineering, and MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab. There are also dedicated areas for the dean’s office, as well as for the cross-cutting areas of the college — the  Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing , Common Ground, and Special Semester Topics in Computing, a new experimental program designed to bring MIT researchers and visitors together in a common space for a semester around areas of interest.

Additional spaces include conference rooms on the third floor that are available for use by any college unit. These rooms are accessible to both residents and nonresidents of the building to host weekly group meetings or other computing-related activities.

For the MIT community at large, the building’s main event space, along with three conference rooms, is available for meetings, events, and conferences. Located eight stories high on the top floor with striking views across Cambridge and Boston and of the Great Dome, the  event space  is already in demand with bookings through next fall, and has quickly become a popular destination on campus.

The college inaugurated the event space over the January Independent Activities Period, welcoming students, faculty, and visitors to the building for  Expanding Horizons in Computing  — a weeklong series of bootcamps, workshops, short talks, panels, and roundtable discussions. Organized by various MIT faculty, the 12 sessions in the series delved into exciting areas of computing and AI, with topics ranging from security, intelligence, and deep learning to design, sustainability, and policy.

Form and function

Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the state-of-the-art space for education, research, and collaboration took shape over four years of design and construction.

“In the design of a new multifunctional building like this, I view my job as the dean being to make sure that the building fulfills the functional needs of the college mission,” says Huttenlocher. “I think what has been most rewarding for me, now that the building is finished, is to see its form supporting its wide range of intended functions.”

In keeping with MIT’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the building is designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. The final review with the U.S. Green Building Council is tracking toward a Platinum certification.

The glass shingles on the building’s south-facing side serve a dual purpose in that they allow abundant natural light in and form a double-skin façade constructed of interlocking units that create a deep sealed cavity, which is anticipated to notably lower energy consumption.

Other sustainability features include embodied carbon tracking, on-site stormwater management, fixtures that reduce indoor potable water usage, and a large green roof. The building is also the first to utilize heat from a newly completed utilities plant built on top of Building 42, which converted conventional steam-based distributed systems into more efficient hot-water systems. This conversion significantly enhances the building’s capacity to deliver more efficient medium-temperature hot water across the entire facility.

Grand unveiling

A  dedication ceremony  for the building is planned for the spring.

The momentous event will mark the official completion and opening of the new building and celebrate the culmination of hard work, commitment, and collaboration in bringing it to fruition.

It will also celebrate the 2018 foundational gift that established the college from Stephen A. Schwarzman, the chair, CEO, and co-founder of Blackstone, the global asset management and financial services firm. In addition, it will acknowledge Sebastian Man ’79, SM ’80, the first donor to support the building after Schwarzman. Man’s gift will be recognized with the naming of a key space in the building that will enrich the academic and research activities of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing and the Institute.

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