Publication

Breaking Through Fall 2020

Using Big Data to Extend Healthy Lifespan

Dear Friends,

It is fair to say that 2020 has been a year of unprecedented challenges. Yet despite these challenges, the MDI Biological Laboratory continues to thrive.

I am extremely proud of the way our entire community — our staff, students and supporters — has come together to overcome the disruptions presented by Coronavirus and to show their dedication to science. Together, we have made remarkable progress over the last year:

• We recruited two new international faculty members. Prayag Murawala, Ph.D. from Vienna, Austria studies limb and tendon regeneration in the axolotl (Mexican salamander) and Romain Madelaine, Ph.D. from Toulouse, France studies nerve and muscle regeneration in the zebrafish.
• Thanks to the tireless efforts of our education and bioinformatics departments to adapt to online based instruction, 480 people participated in our virtual courses, conferences and fellowships — focusing on the power of big data to answer important biological questions.
• Faculty and staff have adapted to work-from-home or staggered lab schedules and implemented strict safety protocols. Our employees have shown 100% commitment to keeping our community COVID-free.

The global pandemic is shining a spotlight on the importance of science in ensuring our collective health and safety like no time before. We remain steadfast in our commitment to translate our research for the benefit of society — and to ensure that all of us live longer, healthier lives. I know that you share that commitment as well.

This year your support is more important than ever. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, all new or increased gifts made or pledged by December 31 will be doubled. If you believe in our mission; if you believe in better health; if you believe in science, I urge you to go to mdibl.org/donate-now and give whatever you can to help ensure a healthier future for you and your loved ones. Every dollar counts.

Whether you are a stalwart supporter, alumnus old or new, or have recently been introduced to the MDI Biological Laboratory, thank you for being part of our community. I am grateful to be on this exciting journey of scientific discovery with you.

With appreciation and gratitude,
Hermann Haller, M.D. President