On May 3, the MIT Energy Research Council announced a wide-ranging initiative to promote energy research at MIT, integrate energy concerns into the curriculum, and improve energy efficiency on campus. The interdisciplinary council, which President Susan Hockfield appointed shortly after her inauguration last year, staged a daylong forum showcasing a sampling of MIT’s energy research and issued a report based on input and white papers submitted by students, alumni, and faculty. The report recommends the formation of a group to spearhead MIT’s energy efforts and calls for MIT to work along three tracks: conducting basic research to develop future energy technologies such as solar, improving current energy systems, and addressing the developing world’s growing energy use. The administration is seeking community response before implementation begins. Go to web.mit.edu/erc to download the report and offer your feedback.
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