Dr. Noubar Afeyan ’87, an inventor and parallel entrepreneur with a passion for bold ideas, will deliver the OneMIT commencement address on Thursday, May 30.
Afeyan is the founder and CEO of Flagship Pioneering, a venture capital firm that builds companies building biotech platforms to transform human health and sustainability. Since its establishment in 2000, the company has built more than 100 technology-based companies; the flagship company currently has more than 60 drugs in the clinical development stage.
One of Afeyan’s most notable successes is Moderna, which invented and produced an effective Covid-19 vaccine that was approved and deployed to billions of people in more than 70 countries. He, who currently serves as the company’s chairman, co-founded Moderna with the Flagship team and three academic co-founders in 2010, when the idea of using messenger RNA in treatments was almost unheard of. But Afyan has long been known for asking unconventional “what if?” issues and build companies with visionary goals. “Why don’t you think you can actually change the world?” he said in a 2021 interview Forbes.
“You might think that after Moderna successfully brought the world a life-saving Covid-19 vaccine, Nubar would rest on his laurels. But he is not that kind of entrepreneur.” MIT President Sally Kornbluth ( Sally Kornbluth said. “In fact, he warned that anyone seeking to benefit humanity on a large scale should avoid comfort. He is not afraid to make long-term, long-term bets, investing in the most innovative science to have the greatest impact. We are pleased Noubar is welcome to share his bold, dynamic perspective with the Class of 2024.”
“MIT is a place filled with bold ideas, thanks in large part to its exceptional students. I am excited to address the Class of 2024 as they prepare to make an impact on the world. We are more than Their curiosity, imagination, creativity, courage and determination are needed more than ever,” Afyan said.
As a member of the MIT Corporation, Afeyan has a long-standing relationship with the institute. He received his PhD in biochemical engineering from MIT in 1987 and served as a senior lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management for 16 years starting in 2000. Among other activities, he serves on the advisory board of the Abdul Latif Jameel Machine Clinic at MIT. Study, and speak at many institute events, including MIT Solve.
“Afeyan has proven time and again that outstanding scientific minds can achieve breakthroughs that many thought impossible if they relentlessly focus on audacious goals. His rich record of inventions, as well as his involvement in dozens of science-driven start-ups Tutoring, funding, and mentoring provide users with guidance on how to leverage advances in science and technology to advance the public good.” Professor of Economics and Chairman of the Graduation Committee.
Afyan, who was born in Beirut to Armenian parents, is a staunch advocate for immigrants to contribute to economic and scientific progress. He is the co-founder of the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity and many other philanthropic projects.
“I am excited to learn from Dr. Afeyan as our commencement speaker. His work in biotechnology and entrepreneurship is truly inspiring, and I can’t wait to hear the insights and experiences he will share with us,” said Senior Class President Penny Brandt said.
“I have great admiration for Moderna’s groundbreaking work and its revolutionary vaccine development. Dr. Afeyan’s contributions to the field of biotechnology are truly commendable. As UA President and a representative of my constituents, I am eager to hear where he will graduate with us What insights does the class share,” said Andre Hamelberg, president of the Undergraduate Student Association.
“I think it’s great that our speaker shares so much of our experience. I’m excited that he will be advising all of us,” said Mikala Molina, chair of the Graduate Student Council.
Afeyan joins a distinguished list of recent MIT Commencement speakers, including YouTuber and inventor Mark Rober (2023); World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (2022) ); attorney and social justice activist Bryan Stevenson (2021); retired U.S. Navy four-star admiral William McRaven (2020); three-term mayor of New York City and philanthropist Michael Bloomberg (2019); and Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg (2018).