Could the merging of groundbreaking artificial intelligence in health care with profit-driven subscription models risk alienating vulnerable patients? This thought-provoking question prompted MIT’s Envisioning the Future of Computing Prize to challenge students for the third consecutive year to explore the impact of computing advancements on society through submissions of 3,000 words or fewer. Winning entries were eligible for cash prizes.
Annaliese Meyer, a PhD candidate from the MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography and Applied Ocean Science and Engineering, drew inspiration from recent findings on the significant role of microbiomes in health. She conceptualized “B-Bots,” innovative synthetic bacterial mimics that utilize Bluetooth technology to regulate gut health.
For the competition, Meyer crafted a speculative fiction piece that dives into the urgent implications of a subscription-based pay model on access to revolutionary health technologies. In her award-winning submission, titled “(Pre/Sub)scribe,” she narrates the journey of B-Bots from the perspectives of both their creator and a user named Briar, who experiences remarkable benefits in managing chronic conditions and vitamin deficiencies. Meyer asserts, “The introduction of a subscription model seemed like a perfect opportunity to illustrate that in a for-profit health-care system, medical breakthroughs that hold promise can inadvertently exacerbate inequalities.”
As a Canadian, Meyer has witnessed the stark differences between the health care systems in Canada and the United States. She shares her mother’s cancer treatment experience in British Columbia, reflecting on how costs and coverage differ significantly from those in the U.S.
Beyond warning of equity challenges in American health care, Meyer aspires to educate readers about the intricate nature of gut microbiomes. Her research influences her perspective: “I often contemplate when and why microbes adapt by producing various proteins, influenced by their microbial environment and the metabolic exchanges that occur between them.”
Initially intending to enter the previous year’s contest, Meyer had to postpone her submission due to lab commitments. Now, while working on her thesis, she seized the chance to diversify her writing, staying connected to her scientific passions. “Writing has always been dear to me; as a child, I dreamed of being an ‘author’ before I even considered being a scientist,” she shares.
Claiming the $10,000 grand prize, Meyer found the journey rewarding and fulfilling. “Exploring a related yet unfamiliar topic pushed me as both a writer and a scientist. It led me to papers I might never have discovered otherwise and challenged me with concepts outside my previous knowledge—such as understanding the patent process.” She added, “The award presentation was genuinely enjoyable; celebrating with friends, family, and meeting individuals from diverse fields enriched the experience.”
About the Envisioning the Future of Computing Prize
Co-sponsored by the Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing (SERC)—an initiative of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing and the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences—this year’s contest received 65 submissions from a variety of undergraduate and graduate students across disciplines, including economics, brain and cognitive sciences, electrical engineering, and more.
Launched in 2023 by Caspar Hare, associate dean of SERC and professor of philosophy, the prize aims to inspire MIT students to reflect on their contributions beyond just technological advancements. Hare emphasizes the ongoing relevance of the prize, with plans for future iterations to include more workshops and guidance for aspiring essayists.
“Everyone is excited to continue this initiative for as long as it’s relevant, potentially offering a series of insights into what future computing technologies MIT students deem significant,” he noted. “Computing technologies will continue to transform the world, and MIT students will be at the forefront.”
Choosing the Winner
The contest employed a two-stage evaluation process, where all submissions underwent anonymous review by a committee from SHASS, the Department of Urban Studies and Planning, and the college. Three finalists were selected based on the coherence, depth, imagination, and inspiration of their essays.
In early May, a live awards ceremony allowed finalists to present their work and engage with the audience, drawing nearly 140 attendees from the MIT community. This interactive setting encouraged discussions about the societal implications of the proposed digital technologies.
Ultimately, a combination of essay scores and presentation evaluations determined the winner.
This year’s judging panel featured:
- Marzyeh Ghassemi, associate professor in electrical engineering and computer science;
- Caspar Hare, associate dean of SERC and professor of philosophy;
- Jason Jackson, associate professor in political economy and urban planning;
- Brad Skow, professor of philosophy;
- Armando Solar-Lezama, associate director and chief operating officer of the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory;
- Nikos Trichakis, interim associate dean of SERC and associate professor of operations management.
The judges also recognized two runners-up, awarding $5,000 each to Martin Staadecker, who proposed a fictional token-based system to track fossil fuels, and Juan Santoyo, who authored a short story featuring an AI designed to support soldiers’ mental health in conflict. Additionally, eight honorable mentions received $1,000 each.
Photo credit & article inspired by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
