Heart muscle cells called cardiomyocytes. Credit: Alexander Auld and Laurie Boyer

Research

For over 50 years, we have played a central role in the growth of molecular life sciences and the revolution in molecular and cellular biology, genetics, genomics, and computational biology.

Learn, Discover, Innovate

We are a collaborative, inclusive, diverse, supportive, and focused community dedicated to research, teaching, and service. We explore a wide range of fundamental biological questions with a focus on molecular cell biology at all levels, from molecular structure to human disease. Join us.

Cyrille Teforlack (left) discussing his project in the Reddien Lab on flatworm eye regeneration with attendees of the BSG-MSRP-Bio Poster session, including Department of Biology Head Amy Keating (right).

Broadening Participation

Our outreach programs seek to make the field of science more inclusive by sharing MIT’s intellectual wealth and cutting-edge resources.

Undergraduate Students

Our undergraduate students thrive in an atmosphere that promotes exploration and collaboration across all areas of research and study. Our professors have an infectious passion for instruction and strive to teach each course better than it’s ever been taught before.

Graduate Students

Graduate training is interdisciplinary, collaborative, and intense, giving our students the research and communication skills they need for a successful career. Our faculty share a deep commitment to education for all students.

Research

For over 50 years, we have played a central role in the growth of molecular life sciences and the revolution in molecular and cellular biology, genetics, genomics, and computational biology.

An atomic model of a protein. Credit: Ellen Zhong.

Research

For over 50 years, we have played a central role in the growth of molecular life sciences and the revolution in molecular and cellular biology, genetics, genomics, and computational biology.

Toxoplasma gondii parasites. Credit: Clare Harding.

Research

For over 50 years, we have played a central role in the growth of molecular life sciences and the revolution in molecular and cellular biology, genetics, genomics, and computational biology.

Events

  • Friday, Mar 27, 2026Thesis Defense: Abdallah Mohamed
  • Tuesday, Mar 31, 2026Colloquium: Li Ye, The Scripps Research Institute
  • Wednesday, Apr 1, 2026Whitehead Institute Special Seminar: David Breslow, Yale University
    Whitehead Auditorium

How changes on the Y chromosome may make species reproductively incompatible

Whitehead Institute Member Jonathan Weissman joins global Cancer Grand Challenges team

Alumni Spotlight: Pia Banerjee, ’05

3 Questions with new faculty member Zuri Sullivan: Exploring the mechanisms underlying changes during infection