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.

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.

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.

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.

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

AI model decodes the language cells use to communicate

Looking beyond natural sequences

How the Toxoplasma parasite adapts to crowded conditions in host cells

Events

  • Monday, Sep 28, 2026 - 10:00AMWhitehead Institute Special Seminar: Dorothy A. Lerit, Emory University School of Medicine
    McGovern Auditorium, Whitehead Institute
  • Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026 - 4:00PMColloquium: Peter Koo, Cold Springs Harbor
  • Monday, Oct 5, 2026 - 10:30AMWhitehead Institute Special Seminar: Maya Voichek, Weizmann Institute of Science
    McGovern Auditorium, Whitehead Institute

Events

  • Monday, Sep 28, 2026Whitehead Institute Special Seminar: Dorothy A. Lerit, Emory University School of Medicine
    McGovern Auditorium, Whitehead Institute
  • Tuesday, Sep 29, 2026Colloquium: Peter Koo, Cold Springs Harbor
  • Monday, Oct 5, 2026Whitehead Institute Special Seminar: Maya Voichek, Weizmann Institute of Science
    McGovern Auditorium, Whitehead Institute

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

DNA shaper steers nervous system development

Douglas Lauffenburger named Institute Professor

Why are some bacterial genes high in purines?