Tours & field trips

The Koch Institute is committed to fostering an interest in science and engineering in young people. As part of this mission, we invite groups of middle and high school students to visit our facilities, meet researchers who work every day to solve the complex problems of cancer, and learn interactively about the science and technology of cancer research at MIT.

Please review current safety policies before visiting campus. All minors participating in day programs at MIT as well as all other K-12 visitors to campus are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated with at least one booster against COVID-19, unless they have a medical or religious exemption. As of March 14, 2022, face coverings are optional in indoor spaces at MIT.

Our programs 

Programs are offered free of charge to public school groups, local non-profit community organizations with a history or mission of serving groups with significant financial need.

For any other groups, program fees apply. Program fees cover staff time, volunteer appreciation, and supplies. 

Program Length	Participants	Service Charge
Gallery Program Includes tour of the Koch Institute Galleries and a Question and Answer conversation with an MIT Researcher
60-90 minutes	Up to 30	$300
	Greater than 30 (Max 50)	Additional $300
Protein Program (Recommended for middle school and high school groups) Includes introductory discussion to "What is Cancer"; an activity about protein structure and function; "Why do elephants not get cancer?"; a tour of a lab floor or the Koch Institute Galleries; and a Q&A with a researcher.   Science Standard: LS1: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
60-90 minutes May extend to 2 hours	up to 30	$400
	Greater than 30 (max 60)	Additional $400
Investigation Program  (Recommended for middle school and high school groups) Includes introductory discussion to "What is Cancer"; an activity about targeted drug delivery; "How can seaweed help treat cancer?"; a tour of a lab floor or the Koch Institute Galleries; and a Q&A with a researcher.
60-90 minutes May extend to 2 hours	up to 30	$400
	Greater than 30 (max 60)	Additional $400
Cancer Research Program (Recommended for high school groups) Includes introductory discussion to "What is Cancer"; "The Fault In Our Cells," an activity best suited for high school students that explores tumor heterogeneity and chemotherapy resistance; tour of a lab floor; and a Q&A with a researcher
1.5-2 hours	up to 30	$400
	greater than 30 (max 60)	Additional $400
Self-guided visit of the KI Public Galleries
30-45 minutes	up to 25	no charge

Book a visit

To book a visit, please fill out our Tour/Field Trip Request Form with your preferred visit date, number and grade level of students, and desired activities. Our programs are free of charge to public school groups, local non-profit community organizations, organizations with a history or mission of serving groups with significant financial need. We also offer discounts to groups with demonstrable financial need. For any other groups, program fees apply.

To view our dates and availability, please visit our calendar. Please send any questions or concerns to kioutreachprograms@mit.edu. 

Other logistics 

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. Spring and summer are our busiest seasons, so please reach out early. Program hours are typically Monday through Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm. We are closed on all MIT holidays. All groups must be accompanied by chaperones (see ratios below) that must stay with the group during the entire visit. 

• Grades 4-8: 1 chaperone for every 8 students 
• Grades 9-12: 1 chaperone for every 10 students 
• College: 1 chaperone per group or 1 for every 12 students if touring a lab 

Visits to the Koch Institute can be paired with other outreach activities at MIT. Coordination across programs should be managed by the visiting group leader. For nearby activities related to Koch Institute content, we recommend the following:

• Broad Discovery Center
• MIT Museum 
• MGH Russell Museum

There are numerous dining options in Kendall Square. Learn more about visiting MIT. There is also open sitting space by the MIT Museum.