100 years biochemical sciences tutorial

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.  

Our research

Latest News

CPB, MCB, and Neuroscience Students Take the Stage at Harvard Arts Fest 2026

From April 30 through May 3, the Harvard Arts Festival returns to campus, showcasing the creativity of students, faculty, and staff across disciplines. This year’s festival once again […]

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(top l to bottom r) Bogdan Bintu, Yoh Isogai, Ignatius Jenie, Catherine Dulac, and Xiaowei Zhuang

Mapping the Sense of Smell, Molecule by Molecule

A new study from the lab of Catherine Dulac, the Xander University Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard, in collaboration with Xiawei Zhuang of Harvard’s Departments […]

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Marc Duque Ramirez

Rhino League 2026 Sign-Ups Now Open

Now gearing up for the 2026 season, Rhino League volleyball sign-ups are officially open for another summer of friendly competition, cross-department camaraderie, and plenty of memorable moments on […]

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(l to r) Siddharth Jayakumar, Rachelle Gaudet, and Gabrielle (Gaby) Paniccia

MCB Honors 2026 Mentorship Awardees for Building a Culture of Support Across All Levels

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology has named its 2026 Mentorship Award recipients, recognizing a group of scientists whose approaches to guidance, collaboration, and community-building span career […]

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Upcoming Events

MCB Thursday Seminar: Gira Bhabha, PhD. (Johns Hopkins University)

  • 12pm - Thursday Apr 30, 2026
  • Northwest Building (Room NW B103), 52 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

A Slice of Science: Md Abdulla Al Mamun, PhD & Hanan Fathima Noushad

  • 4pm - Friday May 1, 2026
  • Biological Laboratories (Room BL1080), 16 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA