Future Vision

Letter from the Dean

Welcome to another academic year, filled with excitement for our scientific research program and fraught with the perils of an unpredictable funding landscape.

We are lucky at the School of Science to have partners who see the long-term vision that brought us—and the world— major scientific discoveries. We honored one such visionary, Marilyn Simons, with the school’s inaugural 1932 Award. Together with her husband, the late Jim Simons ’58, the Simons Foundation has helped us in innumerable ways.

Read more from Dean Nergis Mavalvala

The Latest

Myriam Heiman heads The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory

Jesse Thaler leads the Laboratory for Nuclear Science

The Greatest

Marilyn Simons receives School of Science’s 1932 Award

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals creates fund honoring co-founder Phil Sharp

In the News

Astronomers find space sugar

Soft Serve with Scientists

Baby black holes

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On May 11, 2026, the School of Science hosted the inaugural 1932 Award Dinner to honor Marilyn Simons and the late Jim Simons as philanthropists and as trusted partners of fundamental scientific researchers at MIT. The 1932 Award recognizes philanthropy that ignites new pathways of curiosity throughout the School of Science and celebrates its impact on basic science. Faculty, students, and friends of MIT gathered to commend Jim and Marilyn Simons and the Simons Foundation as visionary partners of the School of Science, who have advanced discovery across mathematics, neuroscience, and the physical sciences for three decades.

The Simons’s generosity reflects a deep and enduring partnership grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to advancing fundamental science for the benefit of humanity. By recognizing their achievements with the 1932 Award, Dean Nergis Mavalvala and the School of Science community expressed gratitude to exceptional generosity that drives forward the scientific enterprise.

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The School of Science has announced the winners of its 2025 Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring. This year, the Teaching Prizes were restructured to acknowledge early- and mid-career teaching excellence, in addition to an overall prize for teaching excellence that includes instructors and non-tenured instructors or lecturers.

Olivia Corradin, assistant professor of biology and a member of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, received an Award for Teaching Excellence. Corradin’s nominators emphasized that she is an exceptionally clear and engaging educator. 

Julien Tailleur, associate professor of physics, received an Award for Excellence in Mentoring and Advising in recognition of his dedication to mentorship. Nominators describe Tailleur as an outstanding research supervisor and group leader who cultivates an open and respectful environment.

John Urschel, Class of 1956 Career Development Assistant Professor of Mathematics, received an Award for Teaching Excellence. Many students call Urschel the best instructor they have had and their favorite professor at MIT, noting that he cares greatly about his students’ success and shows them why linear algebra is “so cool.”

Recipients of the School of Science Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring were honored alongside School of Science Infinite Expansion and Mile Award winners at a celebratory luncheon. 

The School of Science welcomes nominations for the teaching prize at the end of each semester. Nominations can be submitted to the School.

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