Welcome to the website of our department: Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MBB) at Simon Fraser University, Faculty of Science.  

The wonder of evolution is that life expresses itself in an astonishing range of forms, each a beautifully perfect outcome of billions of years of adaptation, and each worthy of our admiration, respect, and curiosity. Beneath this remarkable diversity lies the profound unity that all living things are built from the same fundamental building blocks: cells are made from molecules which are made from atoms which are made from.... well, you get the picture: we could go smaller and more fundamental ad infinitum!  

In MBB, our research is focused on understanding how molecules and cells work and interact to create the remarkable complexity of living systems, and how disruptions in these processes can lead to disease. This fundamental knowledge is not only fascinating but also essential in developing new approaches to health challenges facing society.  

Across diverse areas of research, our faculty members and their teams conduct cutting-edge research at the international forefront. This is reflected in a high level of external research funding, impactful publications and prestigious recognitions.  More importantly, among our staff and faculty members, we have a culture of caring for one another and for our trainees’ professional success and well-being.    

Speaking of students and trainees, MBB is enriched by highly engaged undergraduate and graduate student caucuses that contribute enormously to the culture of our department. Our undergraduate curriculum offers courses across the breadth of classical and modern technological developments in molecular and cellular biology and how our discipline addresses challenges facing society. Our graduate program delivers rigorous preparation for all careers science-related and provides the opportunity to pursue exciting research in a collaborative and positive environment.  

Though we have affiliated labs throughout the campus and the greater Vancouver area, our home is the South Science Building (SSB) in SFU’s beautiful Burnaby Mountain campus. Whether you are browsing as a prospective student, researcher, collaborator, or simply interested in learning more about MBB, I welcome you to explore our website and reach out to us.  We’d love to hear from you.  Better yet, drop in for a visit!

Sincerely,

Mani Larijani
Chair, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Professor, Shrum Chair in Biological Mechanisms of Disease