#  A Warm Welcome 

 



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The Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) Program at Harvard offers Ph.D. training in the biosciences, built outward from core training in contemporary genetics, biochemistry, and molecular, cellular, and mechanistic biology. Under BBS, there are interwoven research [**communities**](/about/communities-bbs "Our Neighborhoods Within The City") comprised of basic science departments and interdepartmental programs at Harvard Medical School. We think of these communities as our “neighborhoods within the city.” Each provides a close-knit environment where faculty and trainees with common interests work together to advance research in their field and participate in training activities tailored to the diversity of career trajectories for today’s PhDs. BBS combines the unparalleled choice of research lab, made possible by its unique breadth and depth, with the cohesiveness of shared-interest communities typical of smaller departmental programs.



 

  [### David Van Vactor

 ](/people/david-l-van-vactor)Director, Biological & Biomedical Sciences (BBS)

Professor of Cell Biology

 

 

 

      ![Van Vactor](/sites/g/files/omnuum5321/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2024-10/vanvactor_david%20%281%29.jpg?h=a92bccdb&itok=FephZO1d) 

 

 

 

   [### Monica Colaiácovo

 ](/people/monica-colaiacovo)Associate Director, Biological & Biomedical Sciences (BBS)

Professor of Genetics

 

 

 

      ![Monica Colaiácovo](/sites/g/files/omnuum5321/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/bbsphd/files/colaiacovo_monica.jpg?itok=DmclwZi2)