The Marine Biological Laboratory is a world-renowned center for research and education in the biological sciences. Founded in 1888 as a private laboratory by Dr. W. G. Dalton, it is now a part of the University of Massachusetts system. The MBL is dedicated to understanding life at all levels – from molecules to ecosystems – and to using that knowledge to improve human health and well-being.
The MBL has long been at the forefront of biological research. In the early days, scientists came to study the diverse marine life of Woods Hole, Massachusetts, one of the world’s premier vacation destinations. They made groundbreaking discoveries about evolution, development, and immunity that transformed our understanding of biology. Today, MBL scientists are investigating some of the most pressing problems facing humanity: climate change, cancer, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders. And they are doing so using state-of-the-art techniques and technologies that allow them to see inside cells, track changes in DNA over time, and measure brain activity with unprecedented resolution.
The MBL also trains the next generation of biologists through its renowned summer programs for undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs. These programs provide an opportunity for students from around the world to learn from leaders in their field while doing cutting-edge research in state-of-the art laboratories. The MBL is committed to making science accessible to everyone – from schoolchildren on field trips to senior citizens taking evening classes – through its public lectures, exhibits, and outreach programs