Advancements in prosthetic technologies can enable transformative improvements in mobility and function after limb loss. In Volume IV of the MIT Science Policy Review, Riccio-Ackerman et al. review current challenges to preventative and post-amputation health access and explore scientifically inspired solutions to bridge the gap between advanced technology and health coverage. The cover image, designed by Paris Myers and Jackson Myers, depicts a modern adaptation of Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man in the renaissance of prosthetic technologies.
Algorithmic decision systems have become ubiquitous in all areas of society. In Volume IV of the MIT Science Policy Review, Thais et al. review the impacts of algorithmic bias in public sector decision-making, describing common components of bias, surveying the legislative landscape of system regulation, and identifying key areas where the U.S. government can take a proactive approach to craft legislation. The cover image, designed by our Creative Director, Daymé Delgado, depicts automated decision-making by facial recognition software, a technology that is highly susceptible to bias.
Editorial
Editor’s Note | Aug. 31, 2023
A vision for policy education in science
MIT SPR’s Editor-in-Chief for Volume IV discusses what role the Review will play in educating scientists.
Reviews
Healthcare | Aug. 31, 2023
HIV vaccines: Lessons from basic research, clinical trials, and public policy
HIV/AIDS still lacks a cure, but decades of research combined with public-private partnerships could be integral in delivering vaccines.
Climate Change | Aug. 31, 2023
Individual, corporate, and national wishcycling: Improving recycling in the U.S. by understanding its complexity
Reducing wishcycling is crucial to lowering recycling contamination.
Science Enterprise | Aug. 31, 2023
Peer review in a pickle: Policy approaches for academic peer review
The historical background and challenges of peer review provide key context for developing solutions to improve science enterprise.
AI | Aug. 31, 2023
Algorithmic bias: Looking beyond data bias to ensure algorithmic accountability and equity
Minimizing bias in public sector algorithms requires holistic regulation.
Space & Security | Aug. 31, 2023
Protecting satellites in low Earth orbit: An overview of hazards and policy solutions
Hazards in low Earth orbit threaten crucial satellite technologies.
Healthcare | Aug. 31, 2023
Repairing the prosthetic science-policy rift: Challenges to improved access to and translation of prosthetic technologies
Despite significant advances in prosthetic technologies, there are large gaps in patient accessibility for those who can benefit most from them.
Healthcare | Aug. 31, 2023
Unlocking the potential of psychedelics as medicine: Past obstacles and future outlooks
Psychedelics are effective in treating psychiatric conditions, but past stigmas and legal challenges threaten medicinal advancements.
Science Enterprise | Aug. 31, 2023
Women in academia: Why and where does the pipeline leak, and how can we fix it?
Comprehensive, context-aware solutions could increase the progression rate of women in academia.
Climate Change | Aug. 31, 2023
Evaluating a Manhattan Project for climate change
Transformative solutions to climate change may require unprecedented investment.
Space & Security | Aug. 31, 2023
Chipping in: Critical minerals for semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S.
Domestic semiconductor manufacturing is largely dependent on critical minerals from foreign sources.
AI | Aug. 31, 2023
Breaking down the impact of automation in manufacturing
The impact of automation is nuanced, providing huge benefits to the economy, consumers, and society while altering existing job markets.
Climate Change | Aug. 31, 2023
Decarbonizing aviation: The roles of sustainable aviation fuels and hydrogen fuel
Emerging fuel technologies can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation sector.
Interviews
Science Enterprise | Aug. 31, 2023
Technologists as policy advisors: A conversation with Dr. Arati Prabhakar
A conversation about the role scientists and engineers play in public policy.
Space & Security | Aug. 31, 2023
An interview with Dr. Tim Flohrer: On low Earth orbit orbital debris mitigation, avoidance, and tracking
A conversation about the policy space for orbital debris mitigation, avoidance, and tracking for low earth orbit satellites.
Science Enterprise | Aug. 31, 2023
Childhood exposure to science through museums
A conversation about the importance of childhood exposure to science museums to improve access to education.
Climate Change | Aug. 31, 2023
Staying up to date in the age of climate change
A conversation about motivating climate policy-making and effective communication of scientific knowledge.
Climate Change | Aug. 31, 2023
An interview with Dr. Emma J. Rosi: On ecosystem effects of pharmaceutical contamination
A conversation about the effects of freshwater contamination from pharmaceutical products.