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Harvard Looks Forward

How the University is meeting the moment by strengthening the Harvard community, fostering open dialogue, and advancing knowledge in service to society

Presidential StatementsRecent University News

Supporting Our Community

The University is continuing to build upon recent actions to ensure that Harvard offers an environment in which all members of our community feel welcome and can thrive. This includes empowering presidential task forces to combat antisemitism and anti-Muslim and anti-Arab bias, providing new and expanded resources for student safety and wellbeing, and reaffirming the rights and responsibilities that balance Harvard’s dual commitment to free expression and mutual respect.

Task Force on Combating Antisemitism Task Force on Combating Anti-Muslim and Anti-Arab Bias Task Force Listening Sessions Resources in Times of Crisis Protecting Against Online Harassment University Rights and Responsibilities
People walk on a path in Harvard Yard

Task Forces Share Updates on Community Engagement

The co-chairs of task forces to combat antisemitism and anti-Muslim and anti-Arab bias discuss what they have been hearing from the Harvard community, what themes are emerging, and what comes next.

Read Q&A with the Co-Chairs

Promoting Civil Discourse, Dialogue, and Education

Open Inquiry and Academic Freedom

The provost is leading two new initiatives to examine how the University can best nurture and reinforce a culture of open inquiry, constructive dialogue, and academic freedom.

Harvard Dialogues logo

Harvard Dialogues

Harvard’s 2024 spring term kicked off with events designed to enhance our ability to engage in respectful and robust debate.

Professor Sandel giving a lecture


Civil Discourse Initiative

The Faculty of Arts & Sciences is committed to building an inclusive academic environment that fosters critical thinking, empathy, and mutual understanding.

Gate in Harvard Yard on sunny day


Intellectual Vitality Initiatives

Harvard College seeks to establish a culture in which all members speak, listen, and ask questions of each other—and ourselves—with curiosity and respect.

Weatherhead panel screenshot

Israeli and Palestinian Peace Activists Seek Solidarity, Empathy

In a panel hosted by the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, educators and activists explore peacebuilding based on shared desire for freedom, equality, and independence.

Read on the Gazette

Advancing Academic Excellence

Surgeons transplant the pig kidney


Genetically edited pig kidney transplanted into human

Procedure led by Harvard surgeons marks milestone in quest to provide more organs to patients in need.

Scientist Zheng Yi Chen


Gene-therapy allows congenitally deaf children to hear

Harvard scientist co-leads research that may yield treatments for the more than 30 million kids with genetic hearing loss.

Electric car charging


New lithium metal battery could revolutionize electric vehicles

Harvard researchers developed new lithium metal battery that can be charged and discharged at least 6,000 times in a matter of minutes.

Robotic exosuit in use


Robotic exosuit gives Parkinson’s patient smoother stride

Scientists from Harvard and Boston University used a soft, wearable robot to help a person living with Parkinson’s walk without freezing.

Interim President Alan Garber portrait

Harvard University Interim President Alan Garber

Alan M. Garber began serving as interim president of Harvard University on January 2, 2024, after having served as the provost and chief academic officer since 2011. "With the support, advice, and help of the Harvard community, my focus during this interim period will be on advancing our mission and helping to heal and strengthen a University that I cherish." 

Meet President Garber
Presidential Statements

Harvard University Leadership and Governance

By charter, Harvard has two governing boards that perform the essential roles ordinarily associated with a board of trustees. Together, the Harvard Corporation and the Board of Overseers help to shape the University’s agenda and assure that Harvard remains true to its mission.

Learn About the Harvard Corporation Learn About the Overseers

Gate in Harvard Yard in spring


2024 Harvard Board Elections Now Open

Elections for Harvard's Board of Overseers and elected directors of the Harvard Alumni Association have opened. Harvard degree holders are invited to vote online or by paper ballot by May 14.

Vivian Hunt left and Tyler Jacks right


Overseers Announce Senior Officers for 2024-25

Vivian Hunt AB '89, MBA '95 and Tyler Jacks AB '83 will assume the board’s top leadership roles following Commencement.

Kenneth Frazier and Joseph Bae


Two Elected to Join Harvard Corporation

Kenneth C. Frazier JD '78 and Joseph Y. Bae AB '94 will join Harvard's top governing board in the coming months.

A Conversation with College Deans

Harvard College Dean Rakesh Khurana PhD '98, Dean of Undergraduate Education Amanda Claybaugh PhD '01, and Dean of Students Thomas Dunne explore campus life today, discussing intellectual vitality, academic freedom, and civil discourse during a recent webinar.