MIT has announced the winners of the 2026 Harold E. Edgerton Faculty Achievement Award, recognizing two faculty members whose work bridges artificial intelligence and astrochemistry. Associate Professor Jacob Andreas of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Associate Professor Brett McGuire of the Department of Chemistry have been selected for their transformative contributions to their fields.
Celebrating Excellence in Teaching and Research
The Harold E. Edgerton Faculty Achievement Award, established in 1982, honors the legacy of Institute Professor Emeritus Harold E. Edgerton by celebrating faculty who demonstrate exceptional distinction in teaching, research, and service. This year’s recipients embody the spirit of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration that defines MIT.
Jacob Andreas: Redefining Natural Language Processing
Jacob Andreas joined MIT’s faculty in 2019 and is affiliated with the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL). His research focuses on the computational foundations of language learning, aiming to bridge the gap between human-like language acquisition and machine learning systems. Andreas has developed models that address compositional generalization—a core challenge in NLP where deep learning often falls short.
His work has introduced novel approaches to one-shot word learning, mutual exclusivity constraints, and grammatical rule acquisition in low-resource settings. These advancements are rooted in integrating principles from computer vision, physics, and linguistics to create more robust and interpretable AI systems.
Andreas has also played a pivotal role in modernizing MIT’s NLP curriculum. He co-developed a two-course sequence that serves as a cornerstone of the new AI+D major, enrolling hundreds of students each semester. His teaching philosophy blends classical structural linguistics with cutting-edge machine learning techniques, ensuring students grasp both theory and real-world applications.
“Jacob’s ability to connect foundational theory with practical impact—while addressing the ethical dimensions of AI—makes him a standout educator and researcher,” says Asu Ozdaglar, department head of EECS. His work has earned him multiple accolades, including the Samsung AI Researcher of the Year Award, MIT’s Kolokotrones and Junior Bose teaching awards, and a 2024 Sloan Research Fellowship.
Brett McGuire: Unlocking the Secrets of Interstellar Chemistry
Brett McGuire, who joined MIT in 2020 and was promoted to associate professor in 2025, explores the chemical origins of life in space. His research combines laboratory spectroscopy, radio astronomy, and advanced signal-analysis methods to detect complex molecules in the cold interstellar medium. One of his most notable discoveries is the identification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in these extreme environments, opening new avenues in astrochemistry.
McGuire’s work has redefined how scientists study molecular fingerprints in faint cosmic signals. By developing innovative tools and techniques, he has enabled breakthroughs in understanding the chemical evolution of star-forming regions and protoplanetary systems. His contributions extend beyond research; he is also recognized for his public outreach and commitment to teaching foundational chemistry courses to hundreds of MIT undergraduates annually.
“Brett’s lab is pioneering the way we detect and analyze molecules in space,” says Matthew D. Shoulders, head of MIT’s Department of Chemistry. “His work has fundamentally changed our understanding of carbon’s role in the cosmos and inspired a new generation of astrochemists.” McGuire’s honors include the 2026 Sloan Fellowship, the Beckman Young Investigator Award, and the Helen B. Warner Prize for Astronomy.
A Legacy of Innovation and Impact
The 2026 Edgerton Award underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research and transformative teaching in shaping the future of science and technology. Andreas and McGuire’s work exemplifies how curiosity-driven inquiry can lead to discoveries that resonate across disciplines.
As AI continues to evolve and space exploration advances, their contributions will undoubtedly influence the next generation of researchers. MIT’s recognition of their achievements highlights the institute’s commitment to fostering environments where bold ideas thrive and real-world problems find innovative solutions.
AI summary
Discover how MIT faculty Jacob Andreas and Brett McGuire are revolutionizing AI and astrochemistry, earning the 2026 Harold E. Edgerton Faculty Achievement Award for their groundbreaking research.
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