Lemelson-Vest Fund for Student Innovation

In 2014, the Lemelson-Vest Fund for Student Innovation was established in memory of Dr. Charles M. Vest, who served as MIT’s 15th president from 1990 to 2004. The gift is made in honor of Dr. Vest's contributions to the inventive capabilities of generations of engineers. The Lemelson Foundation has established the Fund with the goal of encouraging invention activities of students through providing opportunities for supported hands-on experiences. 

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is using the fund to support student-driven projects with a focus on invention and innovation with grants of $10,000. Past projects have included devices used in clinical settings, a new means of boron refining, and using molecular self-assembly for medical use.