About Developmental Biology @ NIH

Recent studies in developmental biology have been at the leading edge of modern biomedical research. The study of developmental mechanisms is inherently interdisciplinary and includes embryology, genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genomics, and systems biology. Developmental biology at the NIH covers an enormous array of scientific investigation and the aim of The Developmental Biology Scientific Interest Group (SIG) is to foster interactions among investigators across all institutes who employ diverse experimental approaches and different model organisms.

The Developmental Biology SIG provides a vibrant collegial forum for investigators interested in the underlying principles of development, cell division and differentiation, differential gene expression, epigenetics, signal transduction, cell fate, cell polarity, establishment of cell lineages, axis formation, fertilization, gastrulation, morphogenesis, pattern formation, organogenesis, sex determination and how they relate to human development and disease. Investigators utilize a range of model systems including bacteria, yeast, dicty, c. elegans, Drosophila, chick, Xenopus, zebrafish, mice and human.

The group hosts Developmental Biology Workshops throughout the year that feature keynote speakers and presentations by post-doctoral fellows. Sessions are arranged to promote interactions among presenters and attendees to promote discussion of research and solicit feedback on experimental observations. In addition, a major emphasis of the group is to provide mentoring to trainees to encourage their professional development.