Innovative Postdoctoral Program at MIT Enhancing AI Research Across Disciplines

The MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing is excited to introduce a new initiative aimed at supporting postdoctoral researchers who are exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and various scientific disciplines.

Tayebati Postdoctoral Fellowship Program Overview

The Tayebati Postdoctoral Fellowship Program will emphasize the application of AI in tackling some of the most pressing challenges across select research fields, as well as its use in music composition and performance. This program is set to welcome its first cohort of up to six postdocs for a one-year term, with opportunities for renewal.

With generous funding of $20 million from entrepreneur Parviz Tayebati, known for his extensive technical expertise and experience with startups, this program aims to empower top-tier postdocs. It will provide an enriching environment that promotes their academic growth and allows them to pursue groundbreaking research. Tayebati expresses his pride in supporting a fellowship that promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, hoping it will inspire a new generation of scholars to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation.

Leadership and Vision

Dean Dan Huttenlocher of the Schwarzman College of Computing notes, ‘Artificial intelligence possesses immense potential to drive scientific breakthroughs and enhance human creativity.’ He emphasizes that this postdoctoral program represents a unique opportunity to nurture exceptional talent who can blend AI with another field. Fellows will engage in cutting-edge research while collaborating with leading experts across disciplines.

Research Focus Areas and Mentorship

Selected candidates will focus on projects within one of six key areas: biology/bioengineering, brain and cognitive sciences, chemistry/chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, music, and physics. Each fellow will be paired with a faculty mentor who specializes in both their chosen discipline and AI.

“This program will inspire a new generation of scholars to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation.”

Integration within MIT’s Broader Initiatives

The Tayebati Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is an integral part of MIT’s broader strategy at the Schwarzman College of Computing to promote innovative research in computing. The college offers three postdoctoral programs designed to provide training, mentorship, and to broaden research perspectives while enhancing expertise in computing and its interdisciplinary applications.

Among these initiatives is the MEnTorEd Opportunities in Research (METEOR) program, launched by the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory in 2020. Recently expanded across MIT, METEOR aims to support outstanding scholars in computer science and AI while encouraging wider participation in these fields.

Additionally, the Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing (SERC) initiative allows researchers studying the societal impacts of computing to participate as SERC postdocs. These fellows will lead interdisciplinary teams of undergraduate and graduate students—referred to as SERC Scholars—on research projects addressing vital topics such as generative AI and democracy, combating misinformation, data ownership issues, and the social effects of gamification.