Welcome from the Chair

Welcome to the Department of Molecular Genetics! We are thrilled to tell you about our vibrant and growing community, where we are collectively shaping the future of molecular genetics and driving scientific excellence to new frontiers.

Within our department, we take immense pride in exploring diverse and captivating research topics that keep us at the forefront of innovation. Our faculty, fellows, and students are pioneers in their respective fields, contributing to ground-breaking advances that profoundly impact our lives. From integrating AI and genomics to mapping the human body and developing environmentally friendly pesticides, we continuously push the boundaries of what is possible.

Our Driving Force

With over 100 faculty members studying a wide array of research topics, our department offers unparalleled research expertise and training opportunities. Faculty expertise spans six broad areas—Cellular and Molecular Structure and Function, Computational and Systems Biology, Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Genetic Models of Development and Disease, Molecular Medicine and Human Genetics, and Molecular Microbiology and Infectious Disease— fostering a rich environment of research excellence.

Strategic Locations and Collaborative Facilities

Situated in five strategic geographic 'nodes' near each other — the Medical Sciences Building, Donnelly Centre, Hospital for Sick Children Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Mt. Sinai Hospital Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, and two locations in the MaRS Centre — we have access to exceptional research facilities that promote collaboration and ground-breaking discoveries in molecular genetics.

Fostering a thriving community

Our graduate and undergraduate programs offer a unique experience that combines community engagement and collaboration, providing numerous career opportunities in academia, teaching, consulting, biotechnology, pharmaceutical industries, scientific writing, patent law, ethics, and policy.

The research achievements of our students are showcased at lectures and poster events. Additionally, we enrich student life through mentorship opportunities and immersive interactive retreats, fostering connections between new students and faculty members. With a focus on knowledge-sharing and collaboration, we aim to transform scientific dissemination and inspire future generations. Together, we empower our trainees to succeed in Molecular Genetics.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

We strongly believe in equity, diversity, and inclusion at our core. Recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the future of Molecular Genetics, we acknowledge the existing gaps within the scientific community, particularly the underrepresentation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour. Committed to equality, we actively address these disparities by expanding scholarship and award offerings. We aim to foster a diverse student body and research community where individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together to drive progress.

Acknowledgment of Traditional Land

Lastly, we acknowledge the traditional land on which our department operates. For thousands of years, it has been the home of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. We are grateful for the opportunity to work on this land, which continues to be a meeting place for many Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.

Thank you for your unwavering support as we strive for excellence in molecular genetics. Together, we can make transformative contributions to the scientific community and shape the future of this remarkable field.

Warmest regards,

Timothy Hughes, Chair, Department of Molecular Genetics

The Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement recognizing the unique and enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories. For more information about Land Acknowledgements, visit the Indigenous U of T Land Acknowledgement page.