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.

Basic Sciences Division 2024 Annual Report

2024 was an amazing year for the division, including the opening of the Arimura Lab, faculty and trainees receiving numerous honors, the first-ever Pathfinders Postdoc Symposium, a wonderful retreat, the many scientific discoveries of each lab, and so much more.

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
Cell biologist and former Fred Hutch division leader Dr. Jonathan Cooper retires Cooper sustained the distinct culture of Basic Sciences for four decades March 26, 2025
Drs. Keith Jerome and Jesse Bloom elected fellows of American Academy of Microbiology Fred Hutch researchers’ study of viruses evolves from basic understanding to practical applications March 20, 2025
Fred Hutch research assistant Jeremy Hollis wins 2025 Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award Longstanding award honors exceptional graduate students in the biological sciences March 6, 2025
New methods reveal cancer mechanism in ancient genes Fred Hutch researchers discover that overproduction of DNA packaging material predicts aggressive brain and breast tumors, which could lead to cheaper diagnostic tests and new drug therapies March 3, 2025