MGH Research Scholars Notebook Vol. 13

Congratulations to the MGH Research Scholars Class of 2021

Please join us in congratulating the five investigators named to the MGH Research Scholars Class of 2021!

The MGH Research Scholars program provides forward-thinking researchers with the unrestricted funding they need to take their work into new and uncharted territories. History has shown that talented scientists with free rein to explore new frontiers often make the greatest advances.

Thanks to your visionary support, we have been able to bestow 70 MGH Research Scholar awards since 2011.

Meet the Class of 2021 ›

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Bugs with Drugs: Repurposing a Pathogenic Bacteria’s Weapon

Cammie Lesser, MD, PhD, d’Arbeloff MGH Research Scholar 2016-2021, uses genetic engineering to modify beneficial bacteria to deliver protein-based drugs to specific disease sites in the human body.

Learn more about her research on a recent episode of the The Scientist’s LabTalk podcast.
Listen to the podcast ›

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Ingrid Bassett Helps Launch New Virtual Interview Series

Ingrid Bassett, MD, MPH , Weissman Family MGH Research Scholar 2018-2023, was the first guest on the Mass General Research Institute’s new virtual interview series, Quick Interviews with Interesting People (QUIIPS). Dr. Bassett discussed her global health research connecting HIV patients to care in South Africa and how her MGH Research Scholar award provided crucial support when she pivoted to help with the hospital's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Watch QUIIPS with Dr. Bassett ›

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Daphne Holt, MD, PhD, and Richa Saxena, PhD, Share Science with the Community at the Cambridge Science Festival

Each year, organizations across Massachusetts come together for the Cambridge Science Festival, a celebration of science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM).

MGH Research Scholars Daphne Holt, MD, PhD, MGH Research Scholar 2018-2023, and Richa Saxena, PhD, Phyllis and Jerome Lyle Rappaport MGH Research Scholar 2017-2022, joined the Mass General Research Institute’s 2021 Cambridge Science Festival showcase to share family-friendly activities and resources based on their research into personal space and mental health (Dr. Holt), and the genetic underpinnings of sleep and circadian rhythms (Dr. Saxena).
View the MGRI showcase ›

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Michael Talkowski, PhD, Selected as Director of the Center for Genomic Medicine

Michael Talkowski, PhD, Desmond and Ann Heathwood MGH Research Scholar 2015-2020, was recently named the new director of the Center for Genomic Medicine of the Mass General Research Institute. The Center for Genomic Medicine is home to seven MGH Research Scholars.
Learn more ›

"With his unique set of accomplishments and deep engagement in all facets of genomic medicine at Mass General, we believe Michael is ideally positioned to lead the Center during this exciting period as genomics becomes integrated into the practice of medicine."

Peter L. Slavin, MD President Massachusetts General Hospital

Harry W. Orf, PhD Senior Vice President, Research Massachusetts General Hospital

David E. Fisher, MD, PhD Past Chair, ECOR Massachusetts General Hospital