MIT leadership, including the president, senior faculty members, and deans, petition Cambridge for endorsement of MIT's zoning plan
In a bid to strengthen and expand Kendall Square's position as a global innovation hub, MIT has proposed an ambitious development and innovation effort. This initiative, known as the Kendall Square Initiative, aims to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and entrepreneurs, while supporting biotechnology and technology research and development.
The proposal has garnered support from various quarters of the MIT community. Deborah Fitzgerald, dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, noted that several of her school's departments would benefit tremendously from the new infusion of activity and vibrancy that would result from the initiative. Adele Naude Santos, dean of the School of Architecture and Planning, described the work of faculty members within her school who contributed to MIT's proposal by serving on the MIT Faculty Task Force. Ian Waitz, dean of the School of Engineering, wrote that MIT's proposal would convert Kendall Square into a gateway between MIT and the surrounding community.
The Graduate Student Housing Working Group, formed in response to concerns and questions from the City Council, the MIT Faculty Task Force, and the graduate student and broader communities, will work to identify strengths and weaknesses in MIT's current approach and recommend ways to serve graduate student housing needs in the future. The Group will have a city-appointed liaison to ensure smooth information flow between the city and MIT.
Key goals of the Kendall Square Initiative include strengthening the innovation ecosystem, supporting research and commercialization activities, expanding infrastructure and facilities, fostering community and collaboration spaces, and sustaining Kendall Square’s global leadership in biotech innovation and technology development.
Marc Kastner, dean of the School of Science, wrote about the importance of maintaining the strength of Kendall Square in the face of cuts to federal funding for basic research. David Schmittlein, dean of the MIT Sloan School of Management, wrote directly about the benefits of the proposal, stating that it would enhance the remarkable environment of Kendall Square and make it even more compelling and welcoming.
Robert Langer and Phillip Sharp, both prominent figures in the biotech industry, have spoken in favour of the rezoning petition, describing the transformation of Kendall Square from a seedy area to a vibrant and safe place, and highlighting the success of biotech companies in Kendall Square and the employment they provide.
Phillip Clay chairs the Graduate Student Housing Working Group, which will play a crucial role in addressing MIT's graduate student housing needs as part of the broader Kendall Square Initiative. The initiative, if successful, promises to solidify Kendall Square's reputation as "the most innovative square mile on the planet."
[1] MIT News – Kendall Square Initiative [2] Boston Globe – MIT’s Kendall Square Initiative [3] Xconomy – MIT’s Kendall Square Initiative [4] Cambridge Day – Kendall Square Initiative
