Basic Sciences Division

Making Foundational Discoveries

Basic research is at the foundation of all scientific discoveries, underlying the innovative cures and treatments developed at Fred Hutch.

Founded in 1981, the Basic Sciences Division has continually evolved to be at the forefront of discovery; seeking to understand the fundamental underpinnings of our own biology as well as the dysregulations that cause disease. Our research has yielded numerous landmark breakthroughs and scientific advances. We believe an inclusive, collaborative, egalitarian and creative environment is the basis for scientific innovation and world-changing discoveries.

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Basic Sciences Annual Reports 
Our Egalitarian Philosophy

Learn about the people and discoveries that have made the division such an amazing place over its more than forty-year history.

2025 Annual Report

This was an exceptional year for the Basic Sciences Division. We reflected on Fred Hutch’s 50th anniversary and long history of fundamental research. Faculty, trainees, and staff received numerous awards, including Dr. Steve Henikoff receiving the 55th Rosenstiel Award. We celebrated the retirements of faculty members Drs. Jon Cooper and Michael Emerman, and longtime research administrator Katrina Akioka. We also honored the life and legacy of former faculty member Dr. Meng-Chao Yao, who passed away this year.

faculty and lab

Generating New Insights

Our faculty includes investigators studying structural, genetic, molecular, cellular, developmental and evolutionary biology.  

research programs

The Basics for Discovery

Division scientists conduct cutting-edge research that explores the fundamental biology underlying health and disease. 

Fundamental Biology and Forward Thinking

Learn about our scientific leadership, job openings, upcoming events and seminars hosted by the Basic Sciences research team.

Latest Basic Sciences News

ALL BASIC SCIENCES NEWS
Fred Hutch researchers discover an unknown soldier in defense against viruses A gene better known for its role in cancer progression also plays a surprising role in mounting an immune defense against Zika virus December 8, 2025
Brandeis University honors Fred Hutch molecular biologist Dr. Steven Henikoff receives 55th Lewis S. Rosenstiel Award for Distinguished Work in Basic Medical Research October 30, 2025
Frogs help Fred Hutch find the shape of small things Dr. Yasuhiro Arimura brings frogs back to Fred Hutch after a long absence to study the structure of DNA-linked molecular complexes that change during the cell cycle and malfunction in cancer and other diseases October 27, 2025
Oh, the microbes you’ll meet! Fred Hutch Cancer Center immunologist discovers a biological mechanism sprung in the first week of life that trains a mouse pup’s immune system to tolerate harmless gut bugs and new foods September 18, 2025