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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

Save the Date for the MCB Community Forum on November 15 – Submit Questions by October 25

An MCB Community Forum, led by MCB Chair Rachelle Gaudet, will take place on November 15 at 4:00 PM in BioLabs’ Lecture Hall, 1080.  The Community Task Force […]

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Elya Lab to Host Open House and Halloween TGIF on October 25

On (Friday) October 25, the Elya Lab will host an Open House, followed by Friday Talks @4 and Halloween TGIF.  Initiated by the community task force on Equity, […]

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(l to r) Takao Hensch, Yuichi Makino, and Nate Hodgson

Early Life Stress Shapes Attention Deficits in Male (But Not Female) Mice [Hensch Lab]

In a new study published in Science Translational Medicine (PDF), the Hensch Lab shares evidence that erratic maternal caregiving during a critical period leads to attention deficits in […]

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The Doty-Losick crystal award

Nominations for the 2024 Doty-Losick Prize for Exceptional Service Open Now

MCB’s Community Task Force (CTF) on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging is enthused to announce the return of the Doty-Losick Prize for Exceptional Service. The prize is awarded […]

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Upcoming Events

MCB Thursday Seminar: Amy Lee, Ph.D. (HMS)

  • 12pm - Thursday Oct 17, 2024
  • Northwest Building (Room NW B103), 52 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

MCB Friday Talks @ 4 PM

  • 4pm - Friday Oct 18, 2024
  • Biological Laboratories (Room BL1080), 16 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA