Spring Lecture Series for High School Students
Notice: Due to the rapidly evolving circumstances surrounding COVID-19, and in accordance with recent policies issued by Whitehead Institute we will be cancelling the upcoming Whitehead Institute Spring Lecture Series for High School Students, set for April 21-23, 2020. As difficult a decision as this is, our foremost concern is for the safety and well being of all participants. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding. Please do consider joining us again next year!
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. This special three-day program will include presentations from pioneering scientists, hands-on workshops in laboratories at Whitehead Institute, visits to local biotech companies and research organizations, and lunches with young Whitehead scientists.
Below is a sample schedule from a previous year's program. Times and activities are subject to change.
9:00 am:
Registration
9:15 am:
CRISPR/CAS9
Shawn Liu, Postdoctoral Associate, Jaenisch Lab, Whitehead Institute
10:00 am:
Whitehead Scientific Workshops
12:30 pm:
Lunch with Whitehead scientists
1:00 pm:
Dismissal
9:00 am:
Registration
9:15 am:
Miniaturized drug delivery systems
Canan Dagdeviren; Director of Conformable Decoders,
Assistant Professor of Media Arts+ Sciences, MIT Media Lab
10:30 am:
Offsite biotech tours
12:00 pm:
Lunch at Whitehead
1:00 pm:
Dismissal
9:00 am:
Registration
9:15 am:
Gene Drive Technology
Joanna Buchthal and Jianghong “John” Min of Dr. Kevin Esselte’s
Sculpting Evolution group at the MIT Media Lab
10:00 am:
Whitehead Scientific Workshops
12:30 pm:
Lunch with Whitehead scientists
1:00 pm:
Dismissal
The series, held annually during the Massachusetts public school spring vacation week, exposes students to cutting-edge topics in biomedical research. The three-day program features lectures from world-class scientists, hands-on laboratory demonstrations, visits to local biotechnology companies and research institutions, and interactions with young Whitehead researchers. 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). Registration, which opens online approximately six weeks before the program start, requires parental consent. Students are accepted on a first-come, first-served. No more than 5 students from a single school may attend. Because space is limited, registrants are encouraged to apply early. Registration is capped at 50 students and is expected to fill within 3-4 hours of registration opening.
50 students were accepted into the program in 2019.
No. The series is free for all participating students.
Doors open for daily registration at 9:00 a.m., with formal activities commencing promptly at 9:30 a.m. Programming concludes at 1:00 p.m. each day.
Yes. Lunch is provided for students each day. When registering for the program, please inform us of any dietary restrictions.
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.
Registration for the 2019-2020 Seminar Series for High School Teachers, Sex Differences in Health and Disease, has now closed.
For questions please contact Amy Tremblay at tremblay@wi.mit.edu.
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.
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.