We’re seeking mentors to support undergraduate researchers in the Harvard–MIT Impact Research Initiative this spring (February–May 2025).

The Harvard-MIT Impact Research Initiative is designed to give students hands-on experience with EA-aligned research, while producing work that is genuinely useful rather than purely educational. Students work in small teams (2–3 people) on focused projects under the guidance of a mentor, with a $1,500 grand prize allocated to the team with the highest quality paper. 

We’re looking for mentors across a wide range of EA-aligned research areas, including (but not limited to):

• AI governance
• Technical AI safety
• Global health
• Biosecurity
• Animal welfare
• International development
• Other cause areas relevant to effective altruism

Mentor role (20 hours per semester):

• Propose or refine a research question you think is worth exploring
• Meet with your student team weekly for feedback and direction
• Provide guidance on scope, methodology, and interpretation

Mentors propose the research question and direction, so this can be a good opportunity to make progress on a project you’ve had on your mind, with student support.

The program runs for ~8 weeks, and we aim to make the time commitment reasonable and flexible. We provide structure, coordination, and support for both mentors and students. For more information, see our program overview.

If you’re interested in mentoring, or would like to learn more, please comment here or reach out directly at lduckson@college.harvard.edu. We’d also appreciate referrals to others who might be a good fit.

—
Lincoln Duckson
Harvard–MIT Impact Research Initiative Program Director