In my last post, I talked about how I first heard about RSI and the selection process that led to my nomination. As promised, I want to use this entry to explain what RSI actually is — and why it stands out among other academic programs.

The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a six-week summer program held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and organized by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE). It brings together around 100 high school students from across the U.S. and around the world. The idea is to give us a first-hand experience of scientific research, academic collaboration, and life at a world-class university.

What makes RSI unique is the structure: during the first week, students attend lectures and workshops led by researchers and professors in fields ranging from biology to computer science, physics to engineering. After that, each student is matched with a mentor and a lab for an independent research project — either at MIT or at another nearby institution like Harvard. By the end of the program, we’re expected to present our findings in a written report and a final presentation, modeled on real scientific research.

RSI is not just about science, though. From what I’ve read and heard from past participants, it’s also about being part of a community of curious, motivated people who love to learn — not only about their chosen subject, but about each other, about different perspectives, and about what’s possible when everyone around you shares that energy.

It’s hard to know exactly what to expect, but that’s part of what makes it exciting. I’ve already started reviewing some material and thinking about possible research interests, though the matching process is still a few months away. For now, I’m just trying to stay open-minded and prepare as best I can.

In the next post, I’ll go into more detail about how I’m preparing — from the academic side to the more practical things like paperwork, travel plans, and a growing reading list.

More soon,

Aliocha Faurisson