When it comes to bias and discrimination, what actually changes people and cultures? How do we become less discriminatory and more just? How do we begin to behave in a way that aligns with our values? What are the particular forms of bias that exist in academia, and how can we best become aware of - and overcome - these? In this talk, Jessica Nordell will present extensive, cutting-edge research (as well as personal experiences from her time as an undergrad at both MIT and Harvard) about how unexamined, unconscious bias works and how it changes, as well as insights about approaches that have been shown to measurably alter behavior to become more humane and life-affirming.

Jessica Nordell is an award-winning author and science writer known for blending rigorous science with compassionate humanity. Her first book, The End of Bias: A Beginning, was shortlisted for the 2022 Columbia Journalism/Lukas Prize for Excellence in Nonfiction, the 2022 NYPL Bernstein Book Award for Excellence in Journalism, and the 2021 Royal Society Science Book Prize. The work is the culmination of fifteen years of reporting and writing on the subject of bias and discrimination and how to solve it, for publications including the New York Times, The Atlantic, and New Republic. The End of Bias was named a Best Book of the Year by the World Economic Forum, Greater Good, AARP, and Inc.

First 50 attendees will receive a free copy of Jessica Nordell’s book.

Reception and book signing to follow.

Co-sponsored by Media Lab Human Resources and the Program in Women’s and Gender Studies.

Hosted by Prof. Tod Machover, Academic Head of Media Arts & Sciences.

If you need a disability-related accommodation in order to participate in our event, please contact the event organizer Heidy Gonzalez ((preferably by September 7, 2022) to discuss your needs.

RSVP