Sally Kornbluth

Sally Kornbluth, in her capacity as the 18th president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, assumed office in January 2023, following a tenure as Provost of Duke University from July 1, 2014, to December 31, 2022. Prior to her role as Provost, she served as the vice dean for basic science at Duke University, underlining her strong background in academia. Kornbluth holds the distinction of being the first female provost at Duke University, setting a precedent for future women in leadership.

In addition to her administrative roles, Kornbluth is recognized in the academic community as a member of the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Inventors, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She has also contributed to the field of science with significant research publications in the areas of cell death and cancer resistance. Her inauguration as president of MIT saw her outline objectives for the institution, notably accelerating work on climate change and strengthening the bond between engineering and life sciences.

Outside of her academic roles, Kornbluth has actively engaged in critical discussions, testifying before a congressional hearing on antisemitism on university campuses following the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel. Furthermore, she has participated in panels on online learning, giving it high marks and indicating her progressive approach to education.