Eugene B. Skolnikoff ’50, SM ’50, PhD ’65
Professor of Political Science, emeritus

Eugene B. Skolnikoff focused his career on science, public policy, and international affairs. He is an emeritus professor of political science at MIT, former head of that department, and former director of its Center for International Studies. He was a member of the Pounds Panel, appointed by MIT president Howard Johnson in 1969 to examine MIT’s two special defenseoriented research laboratories. Professor Skolnikoff later led a study of MIT’s international posture when the Institute was criticized for its work with Japan. He also chaired the committee that established the annual Killian Lecture and was on the faculty committee that advised on the presidential search that resulted in the appointment of MIT president Charles Vest. Professor Skolnikoff earned three MIT diplomas: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in electrical engineering and a PhD in political science. He also studied politics, philosophy, and economics at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. Professor Skolnikoff served in the White House science advisor’s office under Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Carter.