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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Events

  • Wednesday, Jun 10, 2026Postdoc Coffee Hour
    68-164; please bring a reusable mug
  • Wednesday, Jun 10, 2026Inaugural Tom Volkert Memorial Seminar: Bing Ren, Columbia University
    Whitehead Auditorium; reception to follow
  • Monday, Jun 15, 2026Whitehead Institute Distinguished Lecture Series: Aviv Regev, Genentech Research and Early Development

Alumni Spotlight: Caring for Service Dogs

Q&A: Why feeling sick may be important for surviving infection

Professor Michael Laub named 2025 AAAS Fellow

Slice and dice