News, Continued

MIT engineers are developing construction-grade beams, trusses, and other structural elements using recycled plastic, advancing a potential alternative to traditional wood-based framing. In recently published work, AJ Perez and David Hardt designed a 3D-printed floor truss system made from recycled plastic. In load tests, the printed floor withstood over 4,000 pounds, exceeding key building standards, while the plastic components weigh significantly less than comparable wood pieces and can be printed in minutes. The team is now working on printing additional building elements and combining them into full frames for modest-sized homes. Their goal is to address the global housing shortage by tapping into the enormous and growing supply of plastic waste. “We’ve estimated that the world needs about 1 billion new homes by 2050. If we try to make that many homes using wood, we would need to clear-cut the equivalent of the Amazon rainforest three times over,” said AJ Perez. “The key here is: We recycle dirty plastic into building products for homes that are lighter, more durable, and sustainable.”

In Memoriam: Louis V. Gerstner, Jr.

We mourn the loss of Louis V. Gerstner, Jr., who passed away December 27, 2025. His vision and leadership set the foundation for the work of Gerstner Philanthropies. As a business leader, Lou was best known for guiding IBM through a remarkable turnaround and for championing excellence in management and execution. As a philanthropist, he committed the foundation to biomedical research, education, environmental work, and direct support for families facing hardship. His legacy is embodied in the successes of the individuals and institutions we support, and our resolve to continue his work remains steadfast. His values will continue to guide the foundation’s work as it moves forward under the leadership of Chair Dr. Elizabeth Gerstner.

We are pleased to share the recent article from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, "Training Tomorrow’s Leaders: Graduate Education at GSK", highlighting the work of the Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSK). Established nearly twenty years ago, GSK offers a unique environment that brings together outstanding students and world-class scientists to advance discoveries in cancer research. The Foundation remains proud to support this community of emerging scientists as they pursue innovative approaches to understanding and treating cancer. “Opportunities like those provided by GSK empower students to take bold steps in cancer science,” said Mr. Gerstner. “Their curiosity and dedication continue to inspire me, and I take tremendous pride in the discoveries they make about today’s most pressing biological and clinical challenges.”

Saint Luke’s Catholic Church in the South Bronx was recently featured in The Good Newsroom for its expanded food pantry and community hall renovation, supported by Gerstner Philanthropies. The project tripled storage capacity, added accessibility features, and created new space for programs such as English classes and job training. The upgraded facility enables Saint Luke’s to provide fresh produce, dairy, and other essentials to hundreds of families each week—advancing its mission to serve the community with dignity and compassion.

Supported by Gerstner Philanthropies, the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) has awarded $700,000 in multi-year transformational grants to expand food access in Eastern Massachusetts. These initiatives are designed to strengthen community-based responses to food insecurity and build lasting capacity across the region. The South Shore Food Bank/Weymouth Food Pantry will use the grant to double warehouse space and launch a regional food rescue program, while the YMCA of Greater Boston will establish a choice-based, grocery-style pantry with expanded hours and integrated social services. “The Greater Boston Food Bank plays an indispensable role throughout Eastern Massachusetts, providing fresh, nutritious food to our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Dr. Elizabeth Gerstner. “We are proud to support these important projects both on the South Shore and in Boston.” These transformational gifts were made possible due to a three-year, $1M commitment to GBFB to support food access and emergency food programs in high-need areas of Boston.