https://www.benferinga.com/

Welcome to the Middle Eastern Ensemble! Please join us as we play music from the wider region of the middle east, from Afghanistan to Turkey, Egypt, Greece, and Armenia. Any skill level or instrument welcome. There will be four rehearsals and a final performance. Weekly meetings on Thursdays from 6-8pm. Please contact garo@mit.edu if interested.

Time: 8:00 PMLocation: Boston, MA

Engage with MIT’s innovation ecosystem at the 2026 MIT Japan Conference, exploring the next frontiers in science, technology, and business transformation.This year’s program features Professors Mark Bathe, Bryan Moser, Juejun Hu, Steven Spear, Kevin Chen, Alex Shalek, Faez Ahmed, and Ezra Zuckerman, highlighting breakthroughs in:Programmable biology and molecular engineeringRobotics, soft machines, and autonomous systemsMachine learning, optimization, and AI-driven designSystems thinking, leadership, and organizational innovationThe future of work and sociotechnical systemsTen MIT-connected deeptech startups will deliver lightning pitches showcasing cutting-edge innovations across AI systems, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, sustainable chemistry, autonomous vehicles, and smart infrastructure.Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with MIT faculty and MIT-connected startups through interactive sessions, a networking lunch, and an evening reception.Building on more than two decades of MIT Japan Conferences, the 2026 event will spotlight emerging technologies shaping the next decade and strengthen collaboration among MIT, MIT-connected startups, and Japan’s industry leaders.

Time: 12:00 PMLocation: Rochester, NY

The irony of artificial intelligence is that it often reveals more about human intelligence than machines themselves.From AI in the home to robots in the workplace, the presence of AI all around us compels us to question its potential and recognize the risks. What has become clear is that the more we advance AI technology and consider machine ability versus human ability, the more we need to mind the gap.Researchers at MIT have been at the forefront of this evolving field. The work presented in this exhibition builds on the pioneering contributions of figures such as Claude Shannon and Seymour Papert, while highlighting contemporary research that spans computer science, mechanical engineering, neuroscience, and the social sciences.As research probes the connections between human and machine intelligence, it also underscores the profound differences. With AI now embedded in everyday life — from smart assistants in our homes to robots in the workplace — we are challenged to ask critical questions about its potential, its risks, and the boundaries between machine ability and human capability.Join us in shining light on the tremendous promise, unforeseen impacts, and everyday misconceptions of AI in this riveting, interactive exhibition.Learn more about the exhibition.