The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has elected MIT Professor Michael T. Laub and 21 alumni to its 2025 class of fellows. They join a cohort of 449 innovators recognized for their contributions across 24 disciplinary sections, an honor that underscores the enduring value of foundational research in an era of rapid technological shift.
Laub, the Salvador E. Luria Professor in MIT’s Department of Biology, was specifically cited for his work on bacterial information processing. His research explores the molecular mechanisms that allow cells to sense their environment and regulate growth. By using bacteria as model organisms, Laub’s lab has illuminated the complex coevolution between hosts and pathogens, offering a deeper understanding of how immunity functions at a fundamental level.
The election of these fellows serves as a reminder of the quiet, rigorous work required to sustain scientific progress. As AAAS chief executive Sudip S. Parikh noted, the accomplishments of this year’s class validate the necessity of long-term investment in science for the broader public good. For the MIT community, the recognition of both a senior faculty member and a broad slate of alumni reflects a legacy of translating biological inquiry into systemic knowledge.
With reporting from MIT News.
Source · MIT News
