David Kaiser

David Kaiser is the Germeshausen Professor of the History of Science in MIT's Program in Science, Technology, and Society, Professor of Physics in MIT's Department of Physics, and Associate Dean for Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing (SERC) in the Schwarzman College of Computing. He holds an A.B. in Physics from Dartmouth College and dual Ph.D.s in Physics and History of Science from Harvard University.

His research bridges history and physics: he investigates the Cold War's impact on physics development, and explores early-universe cosmology, particle physics, gravitation, and quantum foundations. He co-designed the 'Cosmic Bell' quantum entanglement experiments, featured in the PBS documentary Einstein's Quantum Riddle.

Recent publications emphasize interdisciplinary trends—quantum history and primordial black holes dominate—with physics articles focusing on inflationary models and quantum tests, while history works analyze scientific societal impacts. Awards highlight his dual expertise:

• MacVicar Faculty Fellow (MIT's top teaching honor, 2012)
• APS Fellow (2010) and LeRoy Apker Award (1993)
• Book prizes: Physics World Book of the Year (2012) and Best of Physics (2020)
• History of Science Society's Davis Prize (2013) and Pfizer Prize (2007)

He leads a cosmology research group, advises graduate students (Perkins Award, 2012), and directs initiatives on computing ethics as MIT Press Editorial Board Chair.