Technology
Harvard Kennedy School Professor Emeritus Lewis Branscomb, ‘A Giant Among Giants,’ Dies at 96
Harvard Kennedy School emeritus professor Lewis M. Branscomb was known for his contributions to the use of science in public policy and his advancement of understanding how technology impacts society. He died on May 31 at age 96 in Redwood City, California.
Google DeepMind Researcher Discusses Emergence of Reasoning in AI at Harvard ML Foundations Talk
Google researcher Denny Zhou discussed the emergence of reasoning in Large Language Models in a Harvard Machine Learning Foundations talk Friday afternoon at the Science and Engineering Complex in Allston.
Harvard Releases Guidance for AI Use in Classrooms
One year ago today, practically nobody was familiar with ChatGPT. Now, top Harvard academic officials are bracing for a world where artificial intelligence tools are ubiquitous throughout higher education.
Harvard Releases First Guidelines for ‘Responsible Experimentation with Generative AI Tools’
Harvard announced initial guidelines for the use of generative artificial intelligence programs such as ChatGPT in an email to University affiliates on Thursday.
The Age of the Internet: A New Generation of Harvard Students Plugs In
In 1995, a Harvard faculty committee called on all staff and faculty members to obtain personal computers and internet access by the summer of 1996. Since then, the internet has played an instrumental role in shaping the student experiences and future careers of Harvard undergraduates.
Harvard Experiences 18% Jump in Direct Public Portfolio Value in Q1 2023
The value of Harvard Management Company’s direct public investments increased by 18 percent during the first quarter of 2023 as key tech stocks in its portfolio rallied.
Harvard and Endeavor Launch Versity, an Online Professional Leadership Training Platform
Endeavor and Harvard University announced the launch of Versity, a new online professional development learning platform, in a joint press release on May 2.
Cambridge Exploring Options for Implementing Municipal Broadband, Per March Report
The City of Cambridge is exploring the feasibility of implementing municipal broadband for residents, according to a report released last month.
Business, Art Experts Discuss Role of Blockchain in Artist Compensation at Harvard Art Museums Event
Harvard Art Museums hosted New York University professors Kevin McCoy and Amy Whitaker for a Thursday evening discussion on the role of blockchain — a technology that allows for the secure distribution of data through a distributed ledger — in providing equality in the art market.
Technology Experts Discuss Role of AI in Democracy at Harvard Kennedy School Talk
Former South Korean business minister Young-sun Park and social media CEO Will Hohyon Ryu discussed potential applications of artificial intelligence to democracy during a talk at Harvard Kennedy School Tuesday.
HKS Carr Center Hosts Panel on Future of Technology, Policy, and Human Rights
The Harvard Kennedy School’s Carr Center for Human Rights Policy hosted a virtual panel on the implications of technology on ethics and human rights Thursday afternoon.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy ’90 Calls AI One of ‘Most Exciting, Important Technology Opportunities’ at SEAS Talk
Amazon President and CEO Andy R. Jassy ’90 discussed team leadership, innovation, and the future of technology at a Thursday lecture moderated by School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Dean Francis J. Doyle III.
Bill de Blasio Discusses Artificial Intelligence Pitfalls in Harvard Kennedy School Lecture
Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio discussed the impacts of artificial intelligence on cities at a lecture Tuesday hosted by the Harvard Kennedy School’s Program on Science, Technology, and Society.
Harvard Computer Society to Retire Mailing List Offering Due to Aging Infrastructure
The Harvard Computer Society announced in January it will retire its mailing list services — used by student organizations, faculty, and House Committees to communicate with their members for the past 30 years.
Banning ChatGPT is the “Wrong Approach,” Khan Academy Founder Says at HGSE Webinar
Khan Academy founder Salman Khan told attendees of a Harvard Graduate School of Education webinar that banning artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT in schools is the “wrong approach,” calling the service “transformative” for the future of education.
Harvard Chief Technology Officer to Step Down for Healey Administration Post
Harvard Chief Technology Officer Jason Snyder will lead the Massachusetts Executive Office of Technology Services and Security, Governor Maura T. Healey ’92 announced Wednesday.
Experts Discuss the Future of Technology in Cities in STS Panel
Two former mayors and two urban planning professors discussed the future of cities at a panel hosted by the Harvard Kennedy School’s Program on Science, Technology, and Society on Friday afternoon.
Panelists Discuss Ethics of Biotechnology at Science, Technology, and Society Symposium
Medical and legal authorities spoke about the ethics and future of biotechnology at a Friday panel hosted by the Program on Science, Technology, and Society at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Arundhati Roy Talks Indian Politics, Development in Keynote at HKS Science, Technology, and the Human Future Symposium
Indian author Arundhati Roy, who wrote “The God of Small Things,” spoke about the political and social effects of India’s development in her keynote lecture Thursday for a symposium hosted by the Harvard Kennedy School.
Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker Calls for a Social Media ‘Timeout’ at IOP Godkin Lecture
Massachusetts Governor Charlie D. Baker ’79 called for a “timeout” on social media during a Harvard Institute of Politics forum Thursday evening.
In Reversal, Harvard Alumni Association to Retain Alumni Email Forwarding Addresses
The Harvard Alumni Association will not deactivate alumni email forwarding sources, the organization announced Thursday in a change of heart that comes after thousands of alums signed petitions in protest.
‘There’s Very Little There’: Technologists, Including at Harvard, Urge Lawmakers to Resist Crypto’s Siren Song
In recent years, crypto proponents have poured millions of dollars into lobbying efforts in Washington. This month, a group of concerned technologists are pushing in the opposite direction.
Two Harvard Students Went Viral for Creating a Website to Help Ukrainian Refugees. But Some Experts Have Concerns.
Soon after the debut of a platform launched by two Harvard students seeking to help Ukrainian refugees, experts raised concerns over a lack of security measures.
Harvard-led Research Team Receives Department of Defense Award
The Department of Defense awarded its Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative prize to a team of researchers led by Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences professor Katia Bertoldi for the team’s work studying origami structures.
Harvard Kennedy School Professor Sheila Jasanoff ’64 Awarded Prestigious Holberg Prize
Harvard Kennedy School professor Sheila S. Jasanoff received the 2022 Holberg Prize, which is described by some as the “Nobel Prize for social science and humanities.” Jasanoff will be officially presented with the award on June 9 during a ceremony in Norway.