Research

Whitehead researchers isolated the first tumor-suppressor gene associated with cancer, cloned a functional portion of the human Y chromosome, created the first transgenic mouse and much, much more. Founding Director David Baltimore clearly succeeded in creating a nurturing environment for scientists, as they have flourished and generated remarkable results. The Institute has a disproportionate impact on science for a place that consists of roughly 20 labs at any given time.

Most Whitehead scientists say the Institute’s size contributes to its success. Each lab focuses on a different topic, from protein folding to cancer mechanisms, so researchers constantly bump into people working outside their field in the halls, at lunch and during special events. These chance encounters sometimes lead to enlightening conversations and surprising collaborations. A postdoctoral researcher in one lab might learn of a tool or technique she can adopt from another lab. Or an exchange might provoke an idea that leads to a new set of experiments.

Whitehead faculty members pride themselves on helping graduate students and postdocs hone their scientific instincts. They guide them through the highs and lows of being a scientist, offering encouragement during tough times and challenging them to look at their results critically when experiments work.

Every major discovery published in a scientific journal represents years of hard work. Most papers are the culmination of countless experiments, and most of those experiments didn’t work on the first try. In addition, researchers seldom know which experiments to pursue from the outset. They often test one hypothesis and discover a more interesting question in the process. Whitehead faculty members advise young researchers during this journey by helping them identify the most promising path and suggesting they shift course, if necessary.

Center for Genome Research

Founded in 1990 by Whitehead Member Eric Lander, the Whitehead/MIT Center for Genome Research grew to become one of the largest genome centers in the world and an international leader in the field of genomics and genetics.

In addition to sequencing the human genome, the Center played a leadership role in sequencing key model organisms such as the mouse, and other organisms essential for locating regions of the genome that are conserved across multiple species. In November 2003, the Whitehead/MIT Center for Genome Research became the cornerstone facility of the Broad Institute, a new research collaboration between Whitehead Institute, MIT and Harvard University.