During a Washington Post Live event, MIT President Sally Kornbluth warned that without federal support for curiosity-driven research, the innovation and talent pipeline that has contributed to the nation's prosperity could dry up. In a panel discussion titled "The Next Generation," Kornbluth and Arizona State University (ASU) President Michael Crow examined the significance of curiosity-driven research and how universities are preparing the next generation of scientists for a rapidly changing technological landscape. Kornbluth emphasized that many of today’s medical and technological advances are the result of decades of scientists striving to understand how things work.
Kornbluth pointed to MIT’s curriculum, which focuses on teaching foundational skills applicable to various technological advances, essential for leading in an AI-enabled world. She stated, "I do not think that any of our traditional subjects are now outmoded [by AI]. It’s how you approach them." The new curriculum not only leans into basic STEM fields but also aims to revive moral, civic, and ethical educational goals to ensure that emerging technologists come from a moral and civic perspective.
Central to Kornbluth’s mission is maintaining a human-centric approach to AI. Inspired by MIT’s motto, “mens et manus” (mind and hand), she expressed the desire for students to utilize physical AI while leveraging it as an augmentation tool. Kornbluth highlighted the importance of teaching faculty and students how to effectively use AI and her commitment to enhancing student collaboration.
“We’re emphasizing teamwork. Students need to be able to use these tools and work together towards goals,” Kornbluth explained. Effective use of AI requires writing strong prompts. She discussed how foundational knowledge in math, physics, biology, and chemistry, along with the ability to communicate clearly, enables responsible application of new technologies in scientific research.
Kornbluth noted the unique role of the MIT Sloan School of Management in AI exploration due to students' business experience and the high demand for strong AI knowledge in the field. Federal funding fuels curiosity-driven research—the foundation for medical, technological, and scientific breakthroughs. Kornbluth pointed out that while money has been allocated to universities, much of it has not been released.
Discussing the impact of frozen funds, she highlighted the long timelines required for developing life-saving treatments. Using diabetes treatments as an example, Kornbluth remarked, “[Treatments] started with injections of insulin saving people and now it’s automated pumps and CGMs [Continuous Glucose Monitors].” She emphasized the necessity of basic research investment to advance treatments such as immunotherapy, stating that it is still in its infancy and not universally effective yet.
Beyond research and AI, Kornbluth concluded by underscoring the strength of MIT’s student body, programs, and spinouts. She highlighted the economic impact of MIT, equivalent to the 14th largest GDP in the world, emphasizing that education is the best pathway to economic mobility. Kornbluth noted that 20% of the MIT class of 2029 consists of first-generation students and that MIT’s free tuition program enhances accessibility for students from families earning under $200,000.
Kornbluth and Crow concluded the panel by discussing how their respective universities learn from each other. Crow noted that ASU learns from MIT about the edge of technology. Kornbluth expressed hope for MIT to continue its tradition of impactful research and education as it serves the nation for the next 250 years, leaving a significant scientific legacy beyond its walls.