Research

While all Infectious Diseases Fellows are encouraged to participate in basic or clinical research, those in the 3-year Academic Research track will identify a research mentor and project prior to arrival.  Additional opportunities exist for extended training, as well as a pathway to obtain a Ph.D. in an area related to inflammation and/or infectious diseases.  

The Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology houses one of the most highly respected research groups focused on inflammation and innate immunity in the world. Our faculty consists of world-renowned experts in the areas of innate immunity and inflammation, as well as the pathogenesis of parasitic, fungal, bacterial and viral diseases.  Research by members of our division currently emphasizes work on malaria and toxoplasmosis, cryptococcal disease and aspergillosis, infections with Neisseria and Yersinia, and viral diseases such as influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and Burkitt’s lymphoma. The Division has a strong focus on the interaction between these organisms and the innate immune response and the ways in which they modulate inflammation. The Program in Innate Immunity is housed in our Division and includes researchers in inflammatory diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosis, Alzheimer’s Disease and atherosclerosis. This program sponsors the Innate Immunity Data Club, an annual “Toll Day” and a triennial international meeting known as the “Toll Meetings”, which have attracted some of the most distinguished scientists in the world including several Nobel laureates. 

The research interests and portfolios of the Division members are available online. We encourage applicants to our 3-year program to contact faculty members directly at any time during the application process to discuss research opportunities. Applicants should also feel free to contact our Division Chief, Dr. Golenbock, to discuss research opportunities at UMass more generally.