Identify and Invite Speakers

Collect input from faculty colleagues and GMC. Select a balance of disciplines. Consider representing MRSECs and DMSE alums in schedule. Try to balance potential travel costs by inviting local speakers (Harvard, BU, Northeastern). Check MIT, DMSE, and local calendars before offering dates.

Avoid MRS (week after Thanksgiving), Head of the Charles (October), Hosting (end of February or beginning of March), and Spring Break (March).

The committee together identifies a list of suggested speakers (with alternates), to be approved by the heads of DMSE, MPC, and CMSE. Seminar staff send the actual invitations, by means of an email from the DMSE or CMSE head, to the speakers individually, waiting for a reply before contacting the next name on the list. Ultimately, the series should balance research areas, but also reflect a variety of ages, stages in career, geographic representation, etc.