Spring Lecture Series for High School Students
Since its inception in 1990, Whitehead’s Spring Lecture Series for High School Students has encouraged students to explore the facts behind the science headlines through exposure to cutting-edge topics in biomedical research.
Join us April 22-24 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day, for Whitehead Institute’s 2025 Spring Lecture Series for High School Students, Game Changers: Biology Driving Technology.
Science and technology have had a long-standing history of propelling each other forward. As scientists pursue discoveries that change and deepen our understanding of the biological world, challenges often arise leading to the invention of novel tools and methods that are transforming the scientific landscape.
Game Changers: Biology Driving Technology, will examine the interplay between research and technological innovation and its influence on our understanding of health and disease.
The series includes hands-on activities, laboratory modules and discussions with pioneering scientists.
Registration has reached full capacity, and is now closed. Please email Amy Tremblay, Manager of Public Programs, to be added to the wait list. You will receive a notification should a space become available.
The program is open to students in grades 9-12 ages 14 and over. All registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is capped at 30 students and is expected to fill within 45 minutes of registration opening.
April 22-24, 2025
Registration has reached full capacity and is now closed. The program is open to students in grades 9-12 ages 14 and over. All registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is capped at 30 students and is expected to fill within 45 minutes of registration opening.
Free! Whitehead Institute’s Spring Lecture Series for High School Students is free of charge for all accepted registrants.
Professional science instructors, a professionally designed curriculum, lunch each day, and all lab materials necessary for a fun, educational, and memorable experience.
The series, held annually during the Massachusetts public school spring vacation week, exposes students to cutting-edge topics in biomedical research. The series includes hands-on activities, laboratory modules and discussions with pioneering scientists.To participate, students must commit to attend all three days of the series.
Registration is open to students age 14 and over who are enrolled in grades 9-12 (NOTE: Eighth-grade students who meet the age requirement are not eligible to attend). Students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. No more than 6 students from a single school may attend. Because space is limited, registrants are encouraged to apply early. Registration for the 2025 season will be capped at 30 students and is expected to fill within 45 minutes of registration opening.
Completing an online application reserves a space only and does not guarantee admittance into the program. Once all applications have been reviewed students who have been accepted will receive a confirmation via email, including a parental consent form.
30 students will be accepted into the 2025 program.
No. The series is free for all participating students.
9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day
More details coming soon!
Yes. Lunch is provided for students each day during in-person instruction.
Because most attendees live in the greater Boston area, Whitehead Institute does not arrange for student housing. Out-of-state students or those wishing to stay nearby during the program may find accommodations within walking distance of Whitehead Institute at the Boston Marriott Cambridge and Kendall Hotel. As the program is held the same week as the Boston Marathon, we strongly recommend that hotel reservations be made as early as possible.
While we appreciate their interest in the program, space constraints prevent us from allowing parents to take part.
Registration for the series represents a commitment to attend all three days of the program. Naturally, we understand that conflicts occasionally arise. We ask that registered students unable to participate contact us immediately so we may attempt to accommodate those on our waiting list.
Whitehead Institute’s Spring Lecture Series for High School Student’s topics are current themes that reflect concerns voiced in the news, the latest developments in research, and science's impact on our daily lives.
What's Next? Breakthroughs in Cancer Research (2023)
The rising impact of climate change on human health (2022)
Nature's Library: Biodiversity in Biological Research
Oh the Nerve! Neurological Disorders and the Brain
Game Changers: Emerging Technologies Transforming Tomorrow’s Biology (2018)
The Human Microbiome: What Your Gut is Telling You (2017)
Precision Medicine: Cancer and Beyond (2016)
Genetic Engineering Today (2015)
Picture This: Neuroimaging and the Brain (2014)
For more information on the high school student program, please contact Amy Tremblay at tremblay@wi.mit.edu or 617-258-7270.
The program is held at the Whitehead Building at 455 Main Street, which is accessible by public transportation. Metered street parking is available but limited. Hourly garage parking is also nearby.