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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

Ben de Bivort (l) and Carolyn Elya

“Zombie”-making Fungus Carries an Enormous Genome

MCB faculty Carolyn Elya has recently published a paper in eLife exploring the genome of the fly-infecting fungus Entomophthora muscae. The fungus is best known for turning its […]

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Jeeyun Chung

Jeeyun Chung Named as a Winner of the Star-Friedman Challenge

MCB faculty Jeeyun Chung has been chosen as a recipient of the Star-Friedman Challenge Award for Promising Scientific Research. The university-wide competition awards funding to faculty who propose […]

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MCB is 30! Come Celebrate with Us!

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the merger of two legacy departments, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) and Cellular and Developmental Biology (CDB), to form the Department […]

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CPB, MCB, and Neuro Concentrators Contribute to Arts First Festival

Each spring, Harvard hosts its annual Arts First festival, which celebrates and showcases the creative endeavors of the Harvard community members. Concentrators in CPB, MCB, and Neuroscience are […]

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Upcoming Events

MCB Thursday Seminar: Amy Lee, Ph.D.

  • 12pm - Thursday May 2, 2024
  • Northwest Building (Room NW B103), 52 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

MCB Friday Talks @ 4 PM

  • 4pm - Friday May 3, 2024
  • Biological Laboratories (Room BL1080), 16 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA