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Research Centers

mbl aerial photo

Research at the MBL takes place throughout the year in a number of research centers, each with its own intellectual focus and set of research accomplishments in areas critical to the ŠćŠćĀž»­ strategic themes. In addition, several provide specialized resources for use by MBL Resident Scientists, MBL Fellows, and Whitman Center scientists, as well as visitors to the MBL.

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The Josephine Bay Paul Center

The Josephine Bay Paul Center for Comparative Molecular Biology and Evolution was founded in 1996 with major support from the Josephine Bay Paul and C. Michael Paul Foundation. This Center seeks to build dynamic and productive interdisciplinary collaborations to pursue research to unlock the genetic information encoded in the strands of DNA that define elements of life.

Photo Credit: Jessica Mark Welch

Learn more about the Bay Paul Center
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The Eugene Bell Center

The Eugene Bell Center for Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering was established in 2010 through the extraordinary leadership gifts of Millicent Bell and John and Valerie Rowe. Research in the Bell Center is intended to elucidate the molecular, genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying the growth and replacement of highly differentiated tissues during development, physiological turnover and repair following injury. 

Photo Credit: BioQuest Studios/MBL

Learn more about the Bell Center
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The Ecosystems Center

The Ecosystems Center was founded more than four decades ago with the mission of investigating the structure and function of ecological systems and their response to changing environmental conditions, and applying that knowledge to the wise management of natural resources. This work is more and more urgent as societies mitigate the effects of climate change that are already evident, and work to advance sustainable solutions for managing and restoring ecosystems into the future.

Photo Credit: David S. Johnson

Learn more about the Ecosystems Center
Rowe lab at MBL
The Whitman Center

Since its founding in 1888, the Marine Biological Laboratory has served as a platform for distinguished scientists from around the world, who come to the Laboratory to collaborate and conduct research. The Whitman Center is home for this vibrant research community of Whitman Center Scientists that comprise more than 100 principal investigators from academic institutions around the world. 

Photo Credit: Tom Kleindinst

Learn more about the Whitman Center