Department News

Congratulations to Xavier Darzacq on his promotion to MCB Professor of Molecular Therapeutics!

The Darzacq Lab studies transcription regulation during cellular differentiation. Read more about the Darzacq lab and their research.  

The Department of Molecular & Cell Biology will be hosting a symposium to honor of the life and contributions of Professor Bruce N. Ames on March 23, 2025 from 9 am - 7 pm in 245 Li Ka Shing.

Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology, James Nuñez, was named one of the 2025 Sloan Research Fellows. Nuñez was one of six early career researchers at UC Berkeley to receive the award, which honors "exceptional researchers at U.S.

Professor of Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development, Noah Whiteman, was awarded the 2025 Genetics Society of America Medal. This award acknowledges Whiteman's outstanding contributions to the field of genetics.

Professor of Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development, Nicole King, and Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology, Sabeeha Merchant, were appointed as 2025 Vallee Visiting Professors (VVPs).

Welcome to MCB's newest faculty member, Phillip Cleves, who will join us as an assistant professor of Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development (GGED) on January 1, 2026. The Cleves Lab researches the molecular, cellular, and developmental basis of how intracellular beneficial microbes invade and persist in animal cells to form symbiosis.

Professor of Genetics, Genomics, Evolution and Development Noah Whiteman will be speaking about his new book, Most Delicious Poison: The Story of Nature’s Toxins—From Spices to Vices, on March 5th at 5:00 pm in the Berkeley Morrison library.

We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 MCB Lisa Eshun-Wilson Community Award. This award was established to recognize the outstanding contributions of our MCB graduate students and postdocs who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to fostering a welcoming and equitable community.

Congratulations to MCB postdoc Grace Liu (Vance Lab) on being named one of the 2024 Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Hanna Gray Fellows! Liu was selected by HHMI along with 25 outstanding early career scientists for demonstrating a commitment to making foundational discoveries while building an inclusive culture in academic s

Professor of Molecular Therapeutics Jennifer Doudna was honored by President Biden with the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. This award is one of the nation’s highest honors for exemplary achievement and leadership in science and technology.