MIT Cancels Resesarch on Physics, Biology, "Social Systems"

["Jacob Eisenstein" <jacobe@>]

It looks like Victor's reorganization of the lab has gotten some media attention.  This is forwarded from the Globe...

MIT CANCELS RESEARCH ON PHYSICS, BIOLOGY, "SOCIAL SYSTEMS"

University to Focus on Art History, Comparative Religion

June 15, 2007

CAMBRIDGE, Ma.  In surprise announcement, incoming CSAIL director Victor Zue has terminated MIT's world-famous physics and biology programs, along with research in the lesser-known field of "social systems."  In his announcement, Zue described physics and biology as, "at best, confusing to the outside world."  University President Susan Hockfield, who said she learned of the move only through media reports, commented, "apparently physics and biology were part of a 'directorate' within CSAIL, and thus, utterly subject to Victor Zue's arbitrary and tyrannical authority.  As for 'social systems', I have no idea what that is either."

MIT's physics and biology departments were recognized as world leaders, producing several Nobel prize winners in the last decade.  MIT's social systems research was also influential, appearing on Nova, and in a 1998 issue of Wired.

Reaction to the announcement was mixed.  Outgoing "GSL den mother" Michael Oltmans noted that several members of the MIT blackjack team were physics majors, and that "the blackjack team is the only part of MIT that the outside world cares about anyway." Boston Mayor Tom Menino, who described himself as a "close friend" of several MIT theoretical physicists, added, "mmmphhrrrrrrphmmmmmmphhhhh."  When asked for comment, controversial biologist James Sherley cryptically replied, "Is that an al pastor super burrito?  Can I have some?"(*)  Sure you can, but only if you wash it down with a frosty beverage at this week's

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(*) I know, I know.  There is absolutely nothing funny about going on a hunger strike to protest racial discrimination.  See 
here and 
here to get his side of the story.  Call it even?
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