Boston Environmentalist and Harvard Professor Launch New Institute to Fund Research on Intersection of Science, Technology, and Society
The Institute will support democracy, environmental sustainability, and ethical governance
Cambridge, MA – October 25, 2024 – Boston environmentalist and activist John T. McQuillan and Harvard Kennedy School professor Dr. Sheila Jasanoff have launched The McQuillan Institute for Science, Technology and the Human Future to foster research, support emerging scholars, and stimulate policy change at the intersection of science, technology, and society.
“Scientific discovery and technological innovation are happening with increasing speed and we need to ensure these advances are harnessed in a way that provides the most good to the most people,” said McQuillan. “We’ve created the McQuillan Institute to support research about some of the largest questions facing humanity today – questions on how to balance these important advances with policy and regulation and ensure we are using them in a responsible manner that benefits society. We are excited to get started on this critical work with our expert team of advisors and emerging scholars across the world.”
“John foresaw the need for universities to engage with science, technology and society long before many administrators in academia,” said Dr. Jasanoff. “We hope the McQuillan Institute will model what it means for the highest quality research and teaching to team up with a sponsor of uncommon generosity and vision.”
The McQuillan Institute has assembled a team of distinguished advisors from academia around the world who are committed to sponsoring research that will address the most pressing challenges of our time and help shape humanity’s future. The Institute will convene high-profile events and support timely scholarship on issues such as the benefits and risks of AI, social media, automation, gene editing, and new energy technologies. It will also support emerging scholars through graduate fellowships, funds for cross-disciplinary collaboration, and career development awards.
McQuillan is the founder and CEO of Triumvirate Environmental, a Somerville-based company that provides sustainable environmental solutions for life sciences, healthcare, education, and industrial organizations in Boston and across North America – benefiting some $2 trillion in customer assets. McQuillan has a long history of civic and philanthropic engagement in the local community. He’s advised over 100 political campaigns and served as director, trustee, or patron for more than 50 mission-driven organizations, education, healthcare, environmental protection, workforce development, and scientific discovery. As an environmental advisor, McQuillan has provided guidance on complex environmental solutions across North America, helping companies stay compliant with environmental, safety, and health regulations while doing the right thing for the Earth.
Dr. Jasanoff is Pforzheimer Professor of Science and Technology Studies (STS) at the Harvard Kennedy School, where she founded and directs the STS Program. Her research has fundamentally reshaped how we think about the intersections of science, technology, policy, and law in the modern world. Before coming to Harvard, Jasanoff founded and chaired the STS Department at Cornell University. In 2022, she was awarded the Holberg Prize in recognition of her pioneering contributions to the social sciences and humanities, particularly in advancing the field of STS.
John McQuillan, Dr. Makoto Takahashi, and Dr. Sheila Jasanoff at inaugural event (Credit: Bethany Versoy)
Inaugural event attendee at Harvard Art Museum (Credit: Bethany Versoy)
Dr. Jasanoff speaks at inaugural event (Credit: Bethany Versoy)
###