The MIT Siegel Family Quest for Intelligence (SQI) stands at the frontier of humanity's most profound scientific endeavor: understanding intelligence itself. This bold initiative is driven by a transformative vision—that by decoding the fundamental principles of intelligence, both natural and artificial, we can unlock unprecedented solutions to the world's most complex challenges while ensuring AI development aligns with human values and societal benefit.
At the intersection of neuroscience, cognitive science, computer science, and engineering, SQI brings together MIT's unparalleled expertise to answer questions that have captivated humanity for generations: How does intelligence emerge? How can we build AI that learns, reasons, and adapts like humans do? And critically, how do we ensure these powerful technologies enhance rather than diminish human well-being?
Our approach is distinctly MIT: bold, interdisciplinary, and driven by discovery. SQI researchers are not only studying intelligence — they are building the next generation of AI systems. Systems that learn faster. Reason more clearly. Adapt to new challenges with flexibility and precision.
This work advances the science of intelligence while pushing the boundaries of what technology can do. By developing new architectures, new tools, and new ways for machines to understand and interact with the world, SQI is helping shape the future of AI itself. At the same time, this technological progress is grounded in a larger purpose: ensuring that the systems we build expand human capability and possibility.
Your support accelerates breakthrough research at a pivotal moment. With your partnership, we can move faster and at scale — transforming new scientific insights into powerful technologies that will define the next era of innovation.
SQI values all philanthropic investments, big or small
There are a number of ways supporters can give, including cash, appreciated securities, and matching or planned gifts.
Deferred gifts and other tax planning approaches can often make more substantial gifts possible. Through a planned gift, alumni/ae can give assets to MIT while retaining the income. Bequests can be made in the form of a specific gift of cash or property, or a percentage of an estate. Learn more
Make a gift of securities, mutual funds, closely held stock, an IRA charitable rollover, retirement assets, real estate, or personal property. Learn more
Expand the impact of your support through your company’s matching gift program. Learn more
Make a gift to the Siegel Family Quest for Intelligence that provides an income for life to you and/or your chosen beneficiary. Learn more
Honor or commemorate a loved one, or celebrate a personal milestone with a gift to the Siegel Family Quest for Intelligence. Learn more
To enable SQI to rapidly target funds to new opportunities as they arise, consider a gift to the MIT Siegel Family Quest for Intelligence Fund #3892664.
For more information about philanthropic opportunities and ways to make an impact, contact:
Devan M. Monroe
Senior Development Officer
monroed@mit.edu
617-324-6718