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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lung cancers can use two different mechanisms to evade KRAS-inhibiting drugs

Biologists identify a cellular pathway that allows colorectal cancer to metastasize

Avoiding a sticky situation: how cells stop messenger RNAs from clumping together

How an embryo draws the line between body and germline

Events

  • Monday, Oct 5, 2026 - 10:30AMWhitehead Institute Special Seminar: Maya Voichek, Weizmann Institute of Science
    McGovern Auditorium, Whitehead Institute
  • Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026 - 12:00PMRagon Institute Work-In-Progress Seminar: Anupama Jayarman (Chakraborty Lab), Christine Zheng (Bryson Lab)
    Schwartz Auditorium, Ragon Institute; ring the intercom at the main entrance and you will be let in by security
  • Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026 - 4:00PMColloquium: Doug Melton, Vertex

Events

  • Monday, Oct 5, 2026Whitehead Institute Special Seminar: Maya Voichek, Weizmann Institute of Science
    McGovern Auditorium, Whitehead Institute
  • Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026Colloquium: Doug Melton, Vertex
  • Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026Ragon Institute Work-In-Progress Seminar: Anupama Jayarman (Chakraborty Lab), Christine Zheng (Bryson Lab)
    Schwartz Auditorium, Ragon Institute; ring the intercom at the main entrance and you will be let in by security

AI model decodes the language cells use to communicate

Looking beyond natural sequences

How the Toxoplasma parasite adapts to crowded conditions in host cells

Cells use a little-known molecule to protect themselves from iron overload