Harvard. What can we say about Harvard. Harvard is considered one of the best universities in the world, if not the absolute best. Founded in 1634, it has always sought the maximum level of excellence, both scientific and artistic. The strong points of Harvard are basic sciences and humanities.
When I was looking for jobs in American universities, it surprised me that there were never job offers from Harvard. I found out later that Harvard never advertises jobs, because Harvard goes after the professors it is interested in. You don't apply for a job at Harvard, it's Harvard who comes calling if you are worthy.
Harvard gives its name to the neighborhood surrounding it, which during the 1960s and 70s was the epicenter of protests and revolutions in the East of the US. You can still see some remains of that era, like the Communist bookstore, but part of its charisma has been lost with the appearance of banks and fast food joints. The bohemian life has moved a little bit up the road, to Davis Square.
Taking Massachusetts Avenue towards Boston, just before arriving to the river, one finds MIT. If Harvard is the mecca for scientists and humanists, MIT is for engineers. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology occupies several buildings on the river Charles, among them the characteristic dome. MIT is well known worldwide for its engineering programs, and its research in robotics, artificial intelligence, and many other subjects. Its math department is also one of the best in the world. It is in great part because of these two behemoths that the Boston area is considered one of the best in the world in academic life.
Related to these two universities, I have a small regret. In my career as a mathematician, I haven't been able to give a talk neither at Harvard or at MIT. I have given talks at Columbia, at Yale and at Cornell, but not at the two Bostonian meccas. I am gonna have to work harder...
