Description

Jerry Wiesner was the quintessential Renaissance man. The breadth of his interests and achievements made him an iconic figure, not only for MIT, but also for the world. During his long career he became an expert in microwave theory, communications science, and engineering, figuring prominently in the development of radar while at MIT’s Radiation Laboratory during WWII. Years later, as science advisor to President John F. Kennedy, he played a critical role in de-escalating the arms race and gaining ratification for the partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. As MIT president, he transformed the Institute, recognizing that being the best in science and engineering was not enough–that tomorrow’s leaders also needed to integrate humanism and the arts into their thinking about technology and policy. This lobby exhibit celebrated his life and work.