“We designed MITHIC to help MIT faculty in human-centered fields ‘go big’—to explore the frontiers of knowledge in their fields, connect across disciplines, and devise new solutions for global challenges.”
The human element is key to every discipline
The MIT Human Insight Collaborative (MITHIC) is a bold Institute priority designed to identify and elevate scholars at the frontiers of human-centered research and education, providing them with resources to pursue their most innovative ideas. MITHIC will foster creativity, inquiry, and understanding, while amplifying MIT’s impact on global challenges.
The world faces challenges that technology alone can’t solve. MIT has long recognized the critical role of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (SHASS) in exploring the political, cultural, economic, and ethical perspectives necessary to address complex problems. For example, it is essential to consider the human impact of emerging technologies like AI, which have the potential to transform the world, as they evolve.
MITHIC is cochaired by Agustín Rayo, Kenan Sahin Dean of the SHASS and professor of philosophy, and Anantha Chandrakasan, chief innovation and strategy officer, dean of the School of Engineering, and the Vannevar Bush Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Spectrum: The Human Element
The Spring 2025 issue of MIT Spectrum explores research and teaching that is deeply informed by human understanding.
Read the Issue
MITHIC One-Pager
Learn more about the motivation for launching MITHIC and explore some its first research projects.
Download the One-Pager
Video: MITHIC Launch Event
Faculty from departments across the Institute highlighted research showing MITHIC’s mission in action.
Watch the Launch
Support MITHIC
MITHIC was launched with the generous support of MIT alumni and friends who believe that tapping the rich wisdom of human-centered fields will make it possible for our students and faculty to define, devise, and accelerate human-centered innovation. We seek endowed and expendable support to help ensure the continued success and impact of MITHIC. Gifts of all sizes are deeply appreciated and will support programmatic activities, including research, course development, and public outreach and engagement.
To learn more about supporting MITHIC, contact Anne Marie Michel, assistant dean for external relations, SHASS, at ammichel@mit.edu or ammichel@mit.edu or 617.253.4075.
Learn more
- A New Focus on Understanding the Human Element
- MIT Human Insight Collaborative announces funding awards for inaugural series of projects