Project Summary/Abstract
In the 21st century, advances in knowledge, research technologies, and analytical tools have created
unprecedented opportunities for major breakthroughs in our understanding of fundamental biological principles
and their underlying mechanisms. We propose here a new interdisciplinary program in Molecular, Cellular, and
Developmental Mechanisms (MCDM) at Harvard Medical School (HMS) that will build on our recent investments
in science infrastructure, education, and training. Our goal is to educate a diverse, rigorous, and independent
group of scientists who will identify novel essential questions in mechanistic biology and develop incisive tools
for addressing them. Based on our successful predecessor T32 program, we plan to recruit a group of 20 trainees
per year beginning in their second year of graduate study from the Biological and Biomedical Sciences umbrella
program. These 20 trainees will distribute across a group of 80 MCDM preceptor laboratories. Our approach to
cultivating a resilient and creative group of scholars will be both evidence-based and student-centered. We will
bring innovative programming to an exceptionally talented pool of trainees. Through continuous improvements
in mentorship practice, community engagement and inclusion, we will foster a collaborative community of
scholars who are well-prepared to make confident and transformative contributions to life science research and
the many research-related careers needed to convert new discoveries about fundamental biological mechanisms
into biomedical and life-sciences applications.