A Conversation About Whitehead's Next Chapter

Institute Director Ruth Lehmann and Vice President for External Affairs Margaret Fala discuss what makes Whitehead distinctive, why this moment matters, and the key role that philanthropy will play in what comes next.

Ruth Lehmann: Margaret, you came to Whitehead with a fresh, dynamic perspective as an accomplished academic and healthcare fundraiser. What drew you here, and what have been your most prominent observations since you arrived? 

Margaret Fala: Since arriving at Whitehead, I have been captivated by the sheer wonder of the science taking place here. Our scientists are asking questions at the very edges of what we know — questions that could fundamentally reshape how we understand life: What tells a cell what it is — and can we learn to predict how cells change and will behave before disease begins? Why can some living systems regenerate while others cannot? What essential biology remains hidden in the parts of the genome we are only beginning to understand? 

I often leave these conversations thinking: More people need to experience this sense of possibility. We have a tremendous opportunity not only to share what Whitehead has accomplished over the past 40+ years, but also to bring more people into the remarkable work unfolding here now, and invite them to help make what comes next possible.

MF: Ruth, I’m curious how you describe Whitehead to someone encountering it for the first time and, particularly, the key points you most want them to understand.

RL: First and foremost, I think it’s important to convey that Whitehead was created to give exceptional scientists exceptional freedom: the freedom to pursue fundamental questions, cross conventional disciplinary boundaries, and follow discoveries wherever they lead. As you noted, we are relatively small, but our influence on biology has been enormous. That combination of focus, independence, and ambition allows us to move in ways that larger, more complex institutions often cannot.

MF: Aside from Whitehead’s formation and launch, I believe we are in the most important moment in its evolution and I know you agree. Can you talk about that? 

RL: Biology is changing more rapidly than ever before. Scientists can now observe and manipulate biological systems with extraordinary precision, generate information at an unprecedented speed and scale, and see relationships that were previously beyond our reach. These tools are powerful, but tools alone do not produce insight. They must be combined with deep biological knowledge, rigorous experimentation, strategic collaborations, and the freedom to pursue bold questions. Whitehead’s size and culture make it possible for scientists with different expertise to work closely, change direction quickly, and take on questions that do not fit neatly within established categories.

MF: That ability to move early and nimbly is one of the things I find most compelling about Whitehead. What do you wish more people understood about early-stage, fundamental research?

RL: The discoveries that ultimately transform medicine generally begin without a specific treatment in mind. They begin with someone asking a fundamental question about how life works. Before scientists can design a new treatment, they must understand the biology: what causes a cell to become cancerous, why a disease progresses, how cells repair themselves, or why one person responds to treatment while another does not. Whitehead scientists uncover those underlying mechanisms. The sheer number of successful patents filed and companies spun out most clearly demonstrates the power of our bold and open approach to research.

MF: From your vantage point as both a scientist and Whitehead’s director, you’ve seen the impact philanthropy has on a broad range of levels. How do you feel contributions from our donors make the greatest difference?

RL: Philanthropy gives us the ability to act before the outcome is certain. It empowers a scientist to test a promising idea before there is enough evidence for conventional funding, brings researchers with different expertise together, provides access to emerging technologies, and supports talented young scientists as they establish new directions. 

The most powerful specific example is the Whitehead Fellows Program. It was created at the start of Whitehead Institute. The fellows program allows particularly talented young scientists to launch their own laboratory right out of graduate school, bypassing the traditional postdoctoral stage. These young scientists have less of a track record than others, so philanthropy has been essential to support their fledgling labs. 

The success of the program is clear: Some of the most remarkable scientists in the U.S. started their independent careers as Whitehead Fellows, and many institutions and universities now offer similar programs. Here, philanthropy does more than fund individual projects: It protects and extends the scientific freedom that makes Whitehead distinctive and that often allows discovery to happen.

RL: Margaret, what should donors expect from Whitehead under your leadership as VP for External Relations?

MF: They should expect more opportunities to understand the questions our scientists are asking. Donors will engage directly with the people behind the research to see what their support makes possible and how their dollars can make a remarkable impact on the big picture for humanity. I want us to communicate complex science in ways that are meaningful to all, yet without diminishing it, and to build relationships around genuine shared interests. That means listening to what donors and prospective donors care about while clearly articulating Whitehead’s scientific priorities and where philanthropy can have the greatest impact. 

MF: Looking forward, are there certain aspects of Whitehead’s mission and vision that make you especially optimistic?

RL: I am inspired by the questions our scientists are asking and by the tools now available to pursue them. I am also inspired by the community around Whitehead, the researchers, trainees, staff, Board members, donors, and friends who believe that early, fundamental discoveries matter. When those strengths, understandings, and values merge, we can pursue ideas that would otherwise remain unexplored.

RL: What do you hope we can build together with our donors?

MF: A philanthropic community whose ambition matches Whitehead’s science: people who believe in the power of discovery, are willing to invest in ideas before the answers are obvious, and who want to help open entirely new directions. Whitehead has an extraordinary history of courage and discovery. Our opportunity now is to connect more people to the bold questions that will define the Institute’s future — and to all that their partnership can make possible.