Department of Molecular
and Cellular Biology

About us

Our Science 

We research and teach how the collective behavior of molecules and cells forms the basis of life. We are driven by a passion for discovery and value collaborative approaches to scientific inquiry, where connections between people fuel interdisciplinary science and break boundaries across varied experimental systems. Against a backdrop of cutting-edge biological research, we work as a team of educators and mentors to inspire and train the next generation of scientists and global citizens. 

 Our Community 

At the core of the MCB department is a commitment to foster an environment in which all individuals have the opportunity to thrive. It is our shared responsibility to create an inclusive culture, where we support and respect each other as colleagues. We embrace a diverse range of perspectives, expertise, identities, experiences, talents, and abilities. By continually strengthening this foundation of investing in the well-being of our people, we enable our community’s growth and pursuit of the creative and innovative approaches that underlie scientific excellence. 

Our Guiding Principles

We hold ourselves and the community accountable to the following set of values: 

Respect
We foster a safe and supportive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and is able to work towards their aspirations. 

Engagement
We encourage difficult conversations about racial, gender, structural and other inequities in our labs, institutions, and society.We listen actively and openly and seek to continually learn from one another during these respectful and open dialogues. 

Action
We take active steps to diversify our community demographics, promote equitable practices, and eliminate systemic racism and other inequities in our departmental structures. 

Support
We prioritize the well-being of our community members and create avenues of support for all, with a particular focus on the needs of Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, first generation students, people from underprivileged backgrounds, and other community members underrepresented in the scientific community.We prioritize diversity, inclusion, and belonging work, advocate for it at all levels and actively include it in all departmental discussions.  

Integrity 

We carry out our work responsibly and ethically, recognizing that our own choices are reflections of both ourselves and our community. As a department, we are committed to building institutional accountability and transparency in our decision-making processes.  

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIROur research

Latest News

Eddy Tzintzun-Tapia

MCO Graduate Student Spotlight: Eddy Tzintzun-Tapia

First-year MCO graduate student Eddy Tzintzun-Tapia has received an award from the NSF’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). The program’s mission is to promote a diverse scientific workforce […]

Read more
Takao Hensch

MCB’s Takao Hensch Receives Japanese National Honor

Takao Hensch, MCB Professor and Neurology Professor at Boston Children’s Hospital, will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon—one of Japan’s highest civilian […]

Read more
Catherine Dulac

Catherine Dulac to be Named Officer of the Legion d’Honneur

We are thrilled to announce that distinguished MCB professor Catherine Dulac was honored with the title of Officer of the Legion d’Honneur, France’s highest civilian award. The prestigious […]

Read more

Elya Lab’s Zombie-Making Fungus Research Covered by Knowable Magazine and The Scientist

New articles in Knowable Magazine and The Scientist feature MCB faculty Carolyn Elya and her lab’s research on fungi that parasitize flies.  The Knowable story, penned by science […]

Read more

Upcoming Events

MCB Thursday Seminar: Ehud Isacoff, Ph.D. (Berkeley)

  • 12pm - Thursday Nov 7, 2024
  • Northwest Building (Room NW B103), 52 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

MCB Friday Talks @ 4 PM

  • 4pm - Friday Nov 8, 2024
  • Biological Laboratories (Room BL1080), 16 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA