MIT has appointed Anantha Chandrakasan, a renowned professor of electrical engineering and computer science, as its next Provost, effective July 1.
A distinguished faculty member since 1994, Chandrakasan brings decades of transformative leadership and groundbreaking innovation to the Institute’s top academic post.
From Faculty to the Helm of Innovation
Chandrakasan’s journey at MIT spans over three decades. From directing the Microsystems Technology Laboratories to leading the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), MIT’s largest academic department, he has continually shaped the Institute’s academic and research landscape.
As Dean of the School of Engineering (2017–2024), Chandrakasan oversaw major initiatives in climate change, AI, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industry partnerships.
In 2024, he was appointed MIT’s inaugural Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer, launching transformative Institute-wide projects.
Strategic Leadership at MIT
In his new role as Provost, Chandrakasan becomes MIT’s chief academic and budget officer, responsible for:
- Strategic academic and financial planning
- Faculty recruitment, promotion, and tenure
- Curriculum development and research direction
- Overseeing MIT’s global engagements
MIT President Sally Kornbluth praised his “nimbleness, entrepreneurial spirit, and profound commitment to MIT’s mission,” emphasizing his ability to drive cross-disciplinary innovation and secure external funding for ambitious research.
Launching Bold, Cross-Disciplinary Initiatives
As Chief Innovation Officer, Chandrakasan launched several groundbreaking initiatives:
- MITHIC (MIT Human Insight Collaborative)
- MIT HEALS (Health and Life Sciences Collaborative)
- MGAIC (MIT Generative AI Impact Consortium)
- INM (MIT Initiative for New Manufacturing)
- MIT-GE Vernova Energy & Climate Alliance
These efforts span AI, health, sustainability, and manufacturing, supporting MIT’s mission to lead in areas where the U.S. seeks global dominance.
“There’s a tremendous opportunity for MIT to be at the center of innovations in AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, and biomanufacturing,” said Chandrakasan.
Priorities as MIT Provost
Chandrakasan has outlined three major priorities:
1) Strategic Institutional Planning
Engage with deans and academic leaders to align financial strategy with long-term goals.
2) Talent Recruitment and Retention
Develop robust support systems to attract world-class faculty, students, and researchers.
3) Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Promote convergence between STEM fields and the humanities to develop leaders with both technical and human insight.
He plans to create faculty, student, and postdoc advisory groups and an external provost council to ensure inclusive decision-making.
Building on a Legacy of Innovation
As Dean, Chandrakasan:
- Welcomed 110+ new faculty
- Oversaw 274 faculty promotions
- Championed programs like the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing, the MIT Climate and Sustainability Consortium, and the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab
He also launched student-focused initiatives, including:
- SuperUROP: A year-long undergraduate research program
- Rising Stars: Academic mentoring for women PhDs and postdocs
- Postdoc6: Building community and skills for postdoctoral fellows
- Daniel J. Riccio Graduate Engineering Leadership Program
Research & Educational Excellence
Even while in leadership roles, Chandrakasan remained an active researcher. He leads the MIT Energy-Efficient Circuits and Systems Group, focusing on ultra-low-power sensors, biomedical devices, and integrated systems.
With over 120,000 citations and 78 PhD graduates, he understands academia from the ground up.
“To understand the pain points of our research scholars, you have to be in the trenches,” he said.
A Bold Future for MIT
Chandrakasan’s appointment marks a historic moment as he becomes the first Indian-American to serve as MIT’s provost.
With his experience, vision, and dedication, MIT is poised to strengthen its role as a global leader in research, education, and innovation.
“I see myself as a key facilitator,” he said. “My goal is to enable our community to make extraordinary contributions to the nation and the world.”
