Students, fellows, and faculty in the Department of Developmental Biology are working at the forefront of basic science research to understand the molecular mechanisms that generate and maintain diverse cell types in many different contexts, including the embryo, various adult organs, and the evolution of different species. Research groups use a wide array of cutting-edge approaches including genetics, genomics, computation, biochemistry, and advanced imaging, in organisms ranging from microbes to humans.  This work has connections to many areas of human health and disease, including stem cell biology, aging, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, infectious disease, autoimmune disease, neurological disorders, and novel strategies for stimulating repair or regeneration of body tissues. 

The Department is a dynamic, interactive research community situated in one of the world's best environments for biomedical research. Our Department is home to about 60 graduate students and 80 postdoctoral fellows who pursue innovative research projects at the leading edge of Developmental Biology.   The achievements of our students and fellows have been recognized by many honors and awards, and many Stanford Developmental Biology alumni have become leaders in biomedical research, teaching, and medicine. More »