Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of South Indian classical music as MITHAS (MIT Heritage of the Arts of South Asia) proudly presents a live Carnatic vocal performance by the globally acclaimed Akkarai Sisters—S. Subhalakshmi and S. Sornalatha.Hailing from a distinguished musical lineage and trained under the tutelage of their father and guru Sri Akkarai S. Swamynathan, the Akkarai Sisters have captivated audiences worldwide with their soulful renditions, perfect vocal harmony, and intricate rhythmic artistry. Known for their seamless coordination, emotive depth, and command over both classical and contemporary Carnatic compositions, their concerts are a confluence of tradition and innovation.Joined by an ensemble of seasoned accompanists on the violin, mridangam, and kanjira, this evening promises to be a celebration of raga, bhava, and laya in its purest form. Whether you are a connoisseur of Carnatic music or a curious newcomer, this concert offers a rare opportunity to witness one of the finest vocal duos in Indian classical music today.Don’t miss this soul-stirring performance in the acoustically rich Thomas Tull Concert Hall, right in the heart of Cambridge.

On view October 1 -- December 11, 2025This exhibition draws on archival materials from the Aga Khan Documentation Center at MIT (AKDC) to explore a century of cultural heritage preservation in Aleppo, Syria. It takes as its point of departure the work of Kamil al-Ghazzi (1853–1933), the pioneering Aleppine historian whose influential three-volume chronicle, Nahr al-Dhahab fī Tārīkh Ḥalab (The River of Gold in the History of Aleppo), was published between 1924 and 1926.Ink, Stone, and Silver Light presents three modes of documentation—manuscript, built form, and photography—through which Aleppo’s urban memory has been recorded and preserved. Featuring figures such as Michel Écochard and Yasser Tabbaa alongside al-Ghazzi, the exhibition traces overlapping efforts to capture the spirit of a city shaped by commerce, craft, and coexistence. At a time when Syria again confronts upheaval and displacement, these archival fragments offer models for preserving the past while envisioning futures rooted in dignity, knowledge, and place.

Recent years have highlighted the ubiquity of global health across diverse public interests. There is now indisputable evidence that health intersects all aspects of life—economic, social, and political. Public and private investments to address global health challenges are both essential and increasing. However, many barriers to progress stem not from a lack of resources, but from politics, policy, and power dynamics that dominate the global health landscape. Understanding these forces is critical to confronting some of the world’s greatest health challenges—whether climate change, vaccine policy, or poverty. Amid funding cuts, conflict, disinformation, and growing inequality, what responses can meet rising health challenges? What lessons and opportunities emerge—and how can research, innovation, and public service be harnessed to drive meaningful impact?Vanessa Bradford Kerry, MD, MSc, is a critical care-trained physician, a nonprofit leader, and an associate professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where she directs the Program in Global Health and Climate Policy in the Department of Environmental Health. She is the co-founder and CEO of Seed Global Health (Seed), a nonprofit focused on strengthening health systems that has helped train over 47,000 doctors, nurses, and midwives in Africa. Dr. Kerry also serves as the Director of the Program in Global Public Policy and Social Change at Massachusetts General Hospital and as the World Health Organization’s Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health.This seminar will be held in 10-105 (Bush Room). Lunch will be available. Please RSVP here.Contact Kate Danahy at kdanahy@mit.edu with any questions.This event is part of the CIS Global Research & Policy Seminar Series. Join our mailing list here to learn about upcoming seminars in the series.

Speaker: Maria Pilar Botana Martinez, Boston University School of Public Health Respondents: Mariana Arcaya, Professor of Urban Planning and Public Health, MIT Holly Samuelson, Associate Professor, MIT / Director Livable Spaces LabThis is part of the CDD / LCAU lunchtime lecture series. Lunch will be provided.

Join us to celebrate the launch of the James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Center on Inequality and Shaping the Future of Work, led by MIT professors Daron Acemoglu, David Autor, and Simon Johnson.