Department News

The MCB Department is pleased to welcome ​​​​​​​Michael Ward, Professor of Molecular Therapeutics, as our newest faculty member effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Ward is an internationally recognized scientist and physician with expertise in age-related neurodegenerative disorders.

Congratulations to our faculty who received the departmental 2026 MCB Outstanding Faculty Awards!

Professor of Cell Biology, Development and Physiology, Rebecca Heald, has been elected to serve as the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) President in 2028.

Professor of Cell Biology, Development and Physiology, Gary Karpen and Professor of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Russell Vance are among six UC Berkeley faculty newly elected to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS).

Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology, Andreas Martin, has received the 2026 Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Award from The Protein Society.

We sadly announce that MCB Professor Emeritus Fred Wilt died on January 30, 2026, at the age of 91, after 62 years on the faculty at UC Berkeley. Fred was born December 12, 1934, in Nappanee, Indiana. Some of Fred’s ancestors had come to this continent well before the American Revolution, while others came from Germany in the 19th century. Fred was a third generation (or so) Hoosier.

Professor of Cell Biology, Development and Physiology Abby Dernburg, Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology

Thank you to our incredible community for helping support our fundraising goals during Big Give! Your generosity, dedication, and participation were truly inspiring and are making a meaningful impact.

Because of you, we can continue to advance scientific discovery, broaden research opportunities for students, and support the wellbeing of our community.