The practice of blending basic and applied research, in combination with our educational focus, puts us in an ideal position to further a better understanding of the societal importance of science and technology and fosters connections that extend well beyond the ivory tower. Our faculty, students, and staff are committed to participating in and improving the local community.

Educational Activities 

Research Experiences for Teachers (RET)

Contact: Kathryn Hollar, Ph.D.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program is a mechanism for integrating a broad spectrum of undergraduates into materials research, nanoscience and engineering.

Research opportunities are available for students each summer. Accepted participants receive a stipend and housing on campus.

Contact: Kathryn Hollar, Ph.D.

TEAMS/JETS

TEAMS/JETS flagship program, is an annual academic competition that gives students, in grades 9 - 12, the opportunity to discover the practical applications of math and science by solving some of today's greatest engineering challenges. More than 14,000 students compete every year in this fun and fast-paced competition that inspires creativity, teamwork, critical thinking and valuable insight into the world of engineering.

SEAS hosts the annual competition for nearby high schools in Boston and the surrounding area.

Contact: Marie Dahleh, Ph.D.

Harvard Extension School

Each semeter, a number of our faculty teach courses at the Harvard Extension School. Classes are open to the public and to Harvard staff through the TAP program.

Programs of particular interest include the Certificate in Applied Sciences, the Master of Liberal Arts in Biotechnology, and the Master of Liberal Arts in Information Technology. Summer classes are also available.

Science & Technology for Society

Engineering and applied sciences underpin science and innovation—which in turn meet human needs and drive societal advances. By providing more avenues for translating science and research into technologies for everyday life, and by using our discoveries as a basis for future companies, we may further enhance Harvard’s social impact both at home and around the globe.

Innovation Courses & Activities

• ES 139/239, "Innovation in Science and Engineering"
  
• SOC 159, "Social Entrepreneurship"
  
• ES 147, "Idea Translation"
  

• I^3 Imagine Invent Impact
  TECH is a proud co-sponsor of the Harvard College Innovation Challenge, which caters to students interested in both for-profit and not-for-profit ventures.

• The Idea Translation Lab at Harvard
  The guiding vision of the Idea Translation Lab at Harvard University (ITL) is to educate through the process of creation, to explore ideas and conduct experiments at the intersection of art and science, and to create social impact.

• Harvard College Engineers Without Borders
  This student run organization was established in 2007, with a mission to improve the quality of life in developing communities through sustainable engineering projects.
  

Social Enterprises

• Medicine in Need (MEND)
  Medicine in Need is a not-for-profit research organization devoted to the successful development and manufacture of affordable and effective vaccines, first developed as part of a course at SEAS.
  
• Lebone Solutions
  Lebônê Solutions, Inc. is a social enterprise working in off-grid energy delivery and lighting technology. The company stemmed from a project begun in ES 147.
  

Public Events

Holiday Lecture Series

Since December, 2002, SEAS has held holiday lectures for families. Modeled on a famous set of presentations first given to children a century ago as part of the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures in London, the lectures highlight science in an engaging and fun forum geared for children aged 10 and up.

Experiments, audience participation, and highlights from current research bring science to the community in an event which is free and open to the public.

Contact: Kathryn Hollar, Ph.D.

Current Science & Technology Center (CS&T)

Current Science & Technology Center (CS&T), a part of the Boston Museum of Science, works with Harvard faculty and students to develop educational talks and programs for the general public that cover the latest discoveries in small-scale science and engineering. CS&T's wide range of topics include: health sciences, genomics, immunology, the brain, behavior, biotechnology, Earth and space, matter and energy, nanotechnology, information technology, A.I., materials science, engineering, robotics, technology, and more.

Contact: Kathryn Hollar, Ph.D.

Harvard University is proud to be an integral part of Greater Boston.

The vitality of our host communities, united with the academic and cultural power of Harvard, results in extraordinary, mutually beneficial relationships that enrich lives both at Harvard and in the community.