To broaden the impact of CSAIL’s groundbreaking research and engage MIT’s thriving alumni community in driving innovation, CSAIL Alliances has created the CSAIL Alliances Diplomat Program. CSAIL Diplomats are alumni of CSAIL, MIT, or related MIT programs who want to stay engaged with MIT and help bridge the gap between research and industry impact to shape the future of computing.
CSAIL Diplomats gain unique insight into the exciting work happening at CSAIL, with a dedicated program coordinator and newsletters to keep them updated on the latest CSAIL research. They also join the community of other Diplomats, who they can engage with at Diplomat-only online briefings or in-person at yearly Diplomat dinners. CSAIL Diplomats get exclusive swag, discounts on educational resources and/or MIT events, an invite to the CSAIL Alliances Annual Meeting (typically for members only), and access to the CSAIL community through CSAIL Alliances.
The ideal CSAIL Diplomat is someone who is excited to share the research happening at CSAIL with their professional community. They are eager to learn more about the work happening in the various CSAIL labs and find industry applications for that work through networking, sharing articles or publications, or reaching out to colleagues who could benefit from what CSAIL researchers are doing. A successful CSAIL Diplomat understands that there are a multitude of projects happening right now in the CSAIL ecosystem that could dramatically affect the direction of future technology, and industry awareness helps bring forward the benefit of those innovations.
Interested in becoming a CSAIL Diplomat? Fill out this interest form and we’ll be in touch soon!
Exclusive Benefits:
- Yearly Diplomat Dinner: Connect with fellow diplomats and CSAIL researchers at an exclusive annual dinner
- Dedicated Coordinator: Enjoy personalized support from a dedicated CSAIL Diplomat coordinator
- Monthly/Quarterly Newsletters: Stay informed with the latest CSAIL research, faculty spotlights, industry case studies, news, articles, upcoming events, and benefits
- Invitations to Exclusive Briefings: Participate in special virtual briefings to learn from top CSAIL researchers, hear the latest from the CSAIL Diplomat Coordinator, and engage with fellow Diplomats on a regular basis
- Diplomat-Only Swag: Show off your special status with exclusive CSAIL Diplomat merchandise
- Discounts and Credits: Receive discounts on educational resources and campus events
- Annual Meeting Invitation: Join the CSAIL Alliances Annual Meeting, a 3-day event held on campus each spring where PIs discuss their latest research, students and startups give poster sessions on their work, and attendees can take advantage of networking opportunities created to connect Alliances members to the CSAIL community
Make an Impact:
- Local Representation: Serve as a key representative of CSAIL in your local area and industry sector
- Increase Research Visibility: Help amplify the impact of CSAIL's research and startup ecosystem to drive the future of innovation
- Engage with the CSAIL Network: Expand your professional network and contribute to the growth of CSAIL’s influence in both private and public sectors
- Generate New Opportunities: Provide valuable leads and contacts to help grow the CSAIL Alliances community
- Stay Connected: Support MIT’s transformational research and deepen your relationship with your alma mater
As a CSAIL Diplomat, you'll be an advocate for the lab, sharing CSAIL’s research and opportunities with your professional and social networks. A successful Diplomat will:
- Respond to occasional requests from CSAIL Alliances staff.
- Stay up-to-date on current CSAIL research so that when a given opportunity arises they can share relevant research with the interested party.
- Identify and share potential leads for new Alliances members.
- Participate in Diplomat-only seminars and the CSAIL Alliances Annual Meeting.
- Stay engaged with CSAIL, their Diplomat Coordinator, and other CSAIL Diplomats.
- Be knowledgeable about CSAIL research and ready to answer questions from other alumni and companies in their network.
- Proudly display their CSAIL Diplomat affiliation on LinkedIn and in the Alumni directory.
What is the Diplomat Program?
The CSAIL Diplomat Program is an exclusive group of engaged MIT alumni who stay connected with the lab, share its research in their network, and help maximize the impact of CSAIL’s groundbreaking work.
What are the expectations of a Diplomat?
Diplomats are expected to be advocates for CSAIL, share research, provide feedback, and participate in program events as schedules permit.
How long is the commitment?
The initial commitment is for one year, with opportunities to continue based on mutual interest.
Can I participate if I can't make it to campus?
Absolutely! This program aims to extend the lab’s reach beyond campus, so we offer virtual events and briefings to ensure all diplomats can stay connected, no matter where they are.
What makes a good diplomat?
A good diplomat is passionate about technology, connected within their community, and eager to contribute to the success of CSAIL.
Are there specific benchmarks that need to be met?
There are no strict benchmarks, but active engagement and participation in program activities are encouraged.
MIT and CSAIL alumni, this is your chance to reconnect, re-engage, and help shape the future of computing. Apply now to become a CSAIL Diplomat and help build the future of technology.
For any questions about the CSAIL Alliances Diplomat Program, please reach out to Audrey Woods at woodsa@mit.edu.