MIT is Spending Billions to "Make a Better World"

For a Better World

Anybody who spends enough time on this site, or on any science website for that matter, is bound to come across one name: MIT. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has produced countless wonders of science and amazing feats of technology. Indeed, the research that comes out of MIT is nothing short of revolutionary.

Now they may have outdone themselves—their next major project is to create a better world.

MIT President L. Rafael Reif announced on May 6 the start of the school's new fundraising campaign with one, tall order. The MIT Campaign for a Better World is a $5 billion comprehensive fundraising initiative that addresses some of humanity's greatest challenges.

Six Priorities

MIT's fundraising campaign is centered around six areas of development or "priorities:" basic research, environment, human health, entrepreneurship and innovation, education, and attracting students to MIT.

The first priority focuses on fundamental scientific research, on the brain, the physical world, and the origins of life. The next area focuses on green research, focusing on the environment, energy research, and water and food sustainability. The third priority focuses on human health, and the interaction of different fields such as science, engineering, economics, and management in achieving bold strides in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

The money raised will also be funneled into student entrepreneurs, funding their innovations and ideas. Another part of the campaign is reinventing and innovating the science of learning and education, including the use of digital education methods. Finally, the money will be used to enhance the facilities and services of MIT to attract more gifted and unique talent.

"Today, everyone at MIT is hacking societal problems. And we see humanity’s pressing global challenges as invitations to action...As we strive to meet these challenges, we seek allies who share our sense of mission, urgency, and infinite possibility. We invite you to join us in creating the future," said Reif in a press release.

MIT has so far raised $2.6 billion by the end of the first quarter of 2016.