PhD Program in Biological Sciences in Public Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Category : Alumni Student Opportunities
Applications are now open for the PhD Program in Biological Sciences in Public Health (BPH) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The BPH program emphasizes interdisciplinary basic research spanning from molecular biology to human populations. BPH students develop individualized research projects focused on defining the molecular underpinnings of human health and disease by employing cutting-edge approaches in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, genomics, metabolic biology, physiology, immunology, biophysics, computational and systems biology, and bioengineering. A central goal of the research in this program, whether basic or translational, is the improved understanding, prevention, and treatment of the most common and impactful global health threats.
The program encompasses laboratories and faculty mentors in the Departments of Environmental Health, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Molecular Metabolism, and Nutrition. Major areas of investigation include:
- The Metabolic Basis of Health and Disease
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences
While the program roots cut across the entire range of biological sciences, the research also employs core quantitative disciplines (e.g., biostatistics and epidemiology), as well as approaches that bridge biology, chemistry, engineering, and computation. Students attracted to this program generally share this interdisciplinary interest and a desire to confront the most pressing health issues of our time.
All students admitted into this training program are provided full tuition, health insurance and stipend support. Our graduates hold distinguished positions in academia, industry, government, and other arenas of life science research, consulting, communications and policy. The application deadline for the 2026-27 academic year is December 1, 2025.
Please note: The BPH program does not require or consider the GRE as part of its application process. In addition, applicants who are non-native English speakers and who received their undergraduate degree from an academic institution where English is not the primary language of instruction now have the option to submit scores for the International English Language Testing System – Academic test (IELTS) as proof of English proficiency.
More information can be found on our website: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/biological-sciences/ or through these upcoming recruitment events:
- HILS Virtual Open House – October 9, 5:00-7:00 PM EST- registration link
- BPH Virtual Open House – October 28, 3:00-4:00 PM EST: Register now to join the discussion
- BPH Virtual Open House – November 7, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM EST: Register now to join the discussion
- HILS Virtual Open House – November 12, 5:00-7:00 PM EST – registration link
BPH Attendance at National Conferences:
- National Diversity in STEM (SACNAS) Conference
October 30-November 1, 2025 – Colombus, Ohio - ABRCMS Conference
November 19-22, 2025 – San Antonio, TX
For additional information about the BPH Ph.D. and Summer Intern Program, please contact us at bph [at] hsph [dot] harvard [dot] edu.
