Whitehead Institute
About
Whitehead Institute is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institute in Cambridge’s Kendall Square. Its scientists pursue curiosity-driven research in cancer, developmental biology, genetics, genomics and related fields, aiming to deepen understanding of how life works and to improve human health. The institute is led by 24 principal investigators, each running a lab, along with a global community of trainees and scholars.
Founded in 1982 with a gift from industrialist and philanthropist Edwin C. “Jack” Whitehead, the institute keeps a teaching affiliation with MIT, and many of its faculty also hold MIT appointments. It remains fully independent in its research programs, governance and finances. Whitehead scientists have made landmark contributions, including key work on the Human Genome Project, research on cancer genes and stem cells, and studies of the human Y chromosome.
What to Know
- Whitehead’s genome center was a forerunner of the Broad Institute.
- The institute trains early-career scientists through programs including its Whitehead Fellows.
- It is a member of the Kendall Square Association.
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