Tayebati Fellowship at MIT Aims to Empower Scholars at the Intersection of AI and the Arts

MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing Launches AI-Focused Fellowship Program

The MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing recently announced the launch of the “Tayebati Postdoctoral Fellowship Program”, designed to support postdoctoral researchers exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and various disciplines. The objective of this fellowship is to use AI to tackle significant challenges in selected scientific research areas, as well as in music composition and performance. The program will welcome an inaugural cohort of up to six postdocs for a one-year term, with the option to renew for a second year. Candidates selected for the program will focus on projects within one of six disciplinary areas: biology/bioengineering, brain and cognitive sciences, chemistry/chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, music, and physics. Each fellow will have a faculty mentor in both their disciplinary area and in AI.

This Postdoctoral Fellowship Program forms a crucial part of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing's broader initiative to promote innovative research in computing. As part of this initiative, the college offers three postdoctoral programs that provide training and mentorship to fellows, expand their research perspectives, and help them develop expertise in computing, including its intersections with other fields. Other programs include the MEnTorEd Opportunities in Research (METEOR), which the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory established in 2020. Recently, METEOR expanded to encompass the entire MIT community through the college and aims to support exceptional scholars in computer science and AI while broadening participation in the field.

Additionally, the Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing (SERC), a cross-cutting initiative of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing, provides researchers with the chance to explore how computing is reshaping society through SERC postdoctoral positions. SERC postdocs participate in various activities throughout the year, including leading interdisciplinary teams of MIT undergraduate and graduate students, known as SERC Scholars. Together, they work on research projects that investigate topics such as generative AI and democracy, combating deepfakes, data ownership, and the societal impact of gamification, among others.

The fellowship initiative is backed by a $20 million gift from Parviz Tayebati, an entrepreneur and executive with extensive technical expertise and experience in startup companies. The program is intended to empower exceptional postdocs by providing a supportive environment for their academic and professional development, allowing them to pursue ambitious discoveries. The contribution to this fellowship program will champion interdisciplinary research, foster collaboration among departments, and inspire a new generation of scholars to advance knowledge and nurture innovation beyond traditional boundaries.

Dan Huttenlocher, dean of the Schwarzman College of Computing, and Henry Ellis Warren Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, emphasized the immense potential of artificial intelligence to drive breakthroughs in science and enhance human creativity. He noted that the new postdoctoral program presents a remarkable opportunity to cultivate exceptional bilingual talent that merges AI with another discipline. The program will allow fellows to engage in cutting-edge research at the intersection of AI and their chosen field, collaborating with leading experts from various disciplines.

Editor's Note:

The launch of the Tayebati Postdoctoral Fellowship Program at the MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing marks a significant advancement in the integration of artificial intelligence across various disciplines. This initiative not only aims to address pressing challenges through innovative research but also fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, enriching the academic landscape. With substantial financial support from Parviz Tayebati, the program is poised to empower emerging scholars, enabling them to explore the vast potential of AI in transformative ways.

Skoobuzz anticipates that this program will inspire the next generation of researchers, along with underscoring MIT's commitment to fostering talent and creativity at the intersection of technology and diverse fields of study.