Shaping the Next 40:
Honoring Our Scholars, Our Stories, Our Future
We’re thrilled to announce a major milestone, the 40th Anniversary of the MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP)! This summer, we invite you to join us in celebrating four decades of research, community, and impact.
Please save the date for August 6 –7, 2026. This anniversary celebration will be an opportunity to get back to your roots, connect with future scholars and their research, and explore MSRP’s history through the voices of participants across the decades. We’ll also come together at our anniversary gala to honor our legacy and look ahead to the next chapter.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, August 6, 2026
MSRP 40th ANNIVERSARY GALA: OUR SCHOLARS, OUR STORIES, OUR FUTURES
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating four decades of research, mentorship, and community
MIT Media Lab, 6th Floor
75 Amherst Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
- 5:00 PM ET: Registration Check-in Opens (MSRP Alumni only)
- 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM ET: MSRP Alumni Exclusive Mixer (Invite-Only)
- Before the evening’s festivities begin, we are hosting an exclusive mixer for MSRP alumni only — a warm homecoming and intimate celebration of community. This is your opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni, reminisce about your MSRP journey, and celebrate the program that brought us all together before the broader gala celebration begins.
Please note: This mixer is exclusively for MSRP alumni. Separate invitations have been issued. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact msrp@mit.edu
- Before the evening’s festivities begin, we are hosting an exclusive mixer for MSRP alumni only — a warm homecoming and intimate celebration of community. This is your opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni, reminisce about your MSRP journey, and celebrate the program that brought us all together before the broader gala celebration begins.
- 6:00 PM ET: Registration Check-in (All Guests)
- 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM ET: Dinner and Formal Remarks
- Formal remarks start promptly at 6:30 PM ET
- 7:45 PM – 9:00 PM ET: Live Entertainment and Dancing
IMPORTANT EVENING DETAILS
- Dress Code: Formal attire is strongly encouraged for Thursday’s Gala. Black tie is optional.
- Photography: A photographer will be on-site throughout Thursday’s Gala for archival documentation. By attending, you consent to being photographed as part of the MSRP 40th Anniversary archives.
- Bar Service: A cash bar will be available for alcohol service during the Gala.
Friday, August 7, 2026
Samberg Conference Center, 6th & 7th Floor
50 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02142
- 9:00–10:30 AM: Keynote Breakfast & Formal Program
- Start the morning with breakfast and an inspiring keynote as we celebrate the scholarship and achievements of the 2026 MSRP cohort. Formal remarks start promptly at 9:30 AM ET
- 10:45 AM–12:30 PM: 2026 MSRP Poster Session
- Walk the floor and engage directly with 2026 MSRP scholars as they present their summer research across MIT labs, departments, and research communities. Come ready to be inspired.
- Poster Session I (10:45 AM – 11:30 AM)
- Poster Session II (11:45 AM – 12:30 PM)
- Walk the floor and engage directly with 2026 MSRP scholars as they present their summer research across MIT labs, departments, and research communities. Come ready to be inspired.
LUNCH AND 2026 HIGHLIGHTS REEL, FILM SCREENING & MSRP ALUMNI PANEL
Enjoy lunch as we transition to the afternoon program
Wong Auditorium, Atrium and Auditorium
70 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139
- 12:30–1:30 PM: Transition to Wong Auditorium and Lunch
1:30 -2:30 PM: 2026 MSRP Highlights Reel and MSRP Alumni Panel Discussion
Registration is now closed.
Travel & Accommodations
We will not be providing airport shuttle service for this event. We recommend using rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft, taxis, or public transportation via the MBTA for convenient travel to and from the host hotel/MIT.
Lodging
We have secured a discounted room block at the Boston Marriott Cambridge, conveniently located across the street from MIT’s Welcome Center at 50 Broadway, Cambridge, MA.
Rate: $219 per night, plus applicable taxes
Available Dates: August 5–8
Booking Deadline: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Hotel block is now closed.
Additional Information
- Cancellations & Changes: If your plans have changed, please let us know as soon as possible. To help us provide accurate numbers to our catering team and minimize food waste, please notify us of any cancellations or changes at: msrp@mit.edu
- Accessibility: MIT is committed to providing an environment that is accessible to individuals with disabilities. If you require a disability-related accommodation or have accessibility questions, please contact us in advance at: msrp@mit.edu
- Registration Questions: For any registration questions or concerns, please contact our team at: msrp@mit.edu
- Parking: Public Parking is available at the following MIT area facility for visitors and guests attending our events.
- Hayward Garage Entrances at 33 Amherst Street & 55 Wadsworth Street, Cambridge, MA
- Open 24 Hours
- Questions? Call 617-500-6553
Contact Information
Have questions or would like to get in touch with a team member about the 40th Anniversary Celebration? Please email msrp40@mit.edu.
FAQS
Who can attend?
This celebration is open to alumni of the MIT Summer Research Program who participated between 1986 and 2025.
Can I bring a guest?
Due to venue capacity, attendance is limited to registered alumni only, and we are unable to accommodate additional guests. We appreciate your understanding.
Is there a cost?
Yes, the registration fee is $40. This includes access to all scheduled events on August 6 and August 7, as well as the gala dinner.
What should I wear?
Attire for the gala is black-tie optional. For events on Friday, we recommend business casual.
What is your refund or cancellation policy?
As this event serves as a fundraiser in support of the program, registration fees are non-refundable. However, in the event that the program cancels the event, all registered participants will receive a full refund.
