February 4, 2026
Tomás Palacios will lead the MIT Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies (ISN) as director, effective February 2026. Tomás has directed the Microsystems Technology Laboratories (MTL) since 2022 and will continue in that role. As a leader in nanoscience and technology and a highly effective external advocate for cross-sector research partnerships, Tomás brings the energy, ideas, and connections that will most effectively advance ISN going forward. He succeeds John “JJ” Joannopoulos (1947–2025), the Francis Wright Davis Professor, who led ISN for almost 20 years.
Complete article from Office of the Vice President for Research.
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