In this webinar, hosted by MIT Open Learning, authors from the AI + Open Education Initiative will discuss rapid response papers on the topics of professional education, the judicious use of AI, and open practices. The following papers and authors will be spotlighted:AI Literacies and the Advancement of Opened Cultures with Angela Gunder and Joshua HerronAuto Evaluation: A Critical Measure in Driving Improvements in Quality and Safety of AI-Generated Lesson Resources with Hannah-Beth Clark and Margaux DowlandBefore opening to audience questions, speakers will engage with respondent Nick Baker, the director of the Office of Open Learning at the University of Windsor, in a discussion on:How AI might accelerate responsive open education practicesWhat inequalities might become more entrenched through AI applicationsWhat new literacies are needed for creators of open content co-creating with AI?The purpose of this webinar is to shape the discourse about these pressing issues, and to invite multiple perspectives as we tackle these challenges together. REGISTER NOW

Ocean discoveries over the past 50 years have reshaped our understanding of Earth's systems. Advances in robotics and sensors now enable unprecedented deep-sea and coastal exploration, uncovering microbes and fungi crucial to ocean health and carbon cycling. Meanwhile, satellite Earth observation has revolutionized ocean monitoring and resource management.But how do these two realms—space and the deep sea—intersect to advance research and policymaking? How do satellite data and deep-sea sensors work together to drive biological discoveries and inform climate strategies? Join our experts in deep-sea exploration, marine microbial ecology, and space technologies as they explore these questions and more with the MIT Science Policy Review.Speakers:Katy Croff Bell, PhD, Founder and President, Ocean Discovery League: deep-sea explorer dedicated to democratizing ocean exploration through low-cost technologies, AI-driven data analysis, and capacity building. Bell’s expertise spans ocean engineering, maritime archaeology, and geological oceanography, and she has led numerous expeditions to advance accessible deep-sea discovery.Jo Hickman, Ph.D. student MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography, Applied Ocean Science and Engineering: studies marine microbial ecology, focusing on the biodiversity and ecological roles of understudied microbial eukaryotes in the open ocean. Hickman leverages a background in bioinformatics, earth science, and philosophy to bridge ocean science, technology, and policy for climate change mitigation and environmental decision-making.Minoo Rathnasabapathy, PhD, Research Engineer and Program Lead, Future Worlds, MIT Media Lab: expert in space technologies driving climate intelligence and sustainability solutions. Rathnasabapathy combines an aerospace engineering background with global space policy leadership to bridge innovation and governance in addressing pressing environmental challenges.Moderator:Amelia Macapia, Guest Investigator, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: researcher in bioacoustics and sensory ecology studying acoustic monitoring for science-based conservation and management.Please RSVP here. There is a Zoom option available; please indicate if you prefer that option in your RSVP. A link will be sent to you prior to the event.Lunch will be available. 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: Melanie Machett Wood (Harvard University)Title: Finite quotients of 3-manifold groupsAbstract: It is well-known that for any finite group G, there exists a closed 3-manifold M with G as a quotient of the fundamental group of M. However, we can ask more detailed questions about the possible finite quotients of 3-manifold groups, e.g. for G and H finite groups, does there exist a 3-manifold group with G as a quotient but not H as a quotient? We answer all such questions. To prove non-existence, we prove new parity properties of the fundamental groups of 3-manifolds. To prove existence of 3-manifolds with certain finite quotients but not others, we use a probabilistic method, by first proving a formula for the distribution of the fundamental group of a random 3-manifold, in the sense of Dunfield-Thurston. This is joint work with Will Sawin.A fireside chat and a reception will follow the talk.

Ten minutes for your mind@2:50 every day at 2:50 pm in multiple time zones:Europa@2:50, EET, Athens, Helsinki (UTC+2) (7:50 am EST) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88298032734Atlantica@2:50, EST, New York, Toronto (UTC-4) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85349851047Pacifica@2:50, PST, Los Angeles, Vancouver (UTC=7) (5:50 pm EST) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85743543699Almost everything works better again if you unplug it for a bit, including your mind. Stop by and unplug. Get the benefits of mindfulness without the fuss.@2:50 meets at the same time every single day for ten minutes of quiet together.No pre-requisite, no registration needed.Visit the website to view all @2:50 time zones each day.at250.org or at250.mit.edu

Let's meet, drink bubble tea, and speak! Practice a language with a group of native speakers and other language learners, meet other language lovers, and learn about the LCE.The registration is here.Anyone who is affiliated with MIT can participate in the LCE. Our members include students, staff, visiting scientists and scholars, faculty members, and their spouses and partners.