Duke researchers in both basic science and clinical departments are engaged in a wide range of basic science research, studying cell biology, immunology, neurobiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, microbiology and genetics in organisms from bacteria to man.

To foster the success of its investigators, Duke offers a variety of core facility services, seminar series, and professional development programs. (Additional pages on this site, coming in Spring 2009, will offer a comprehensive listing of these facilities and resources for Duke researchers.)

In addition, there are 12 active Ph.D. training programs for students wishing to train in any of the basic science areas at the University as well as hundreds of postdoctoral fellows actively engaged in research at Duke.

Duke provides rich opportunities for younger scientists who are all interested in basic research projects, but who approach science from different educational programs. Ph.D. candidates work in a focused way on the basic science questions, from a science education and training background. M.D. fellows go into careers in basic research with a medical training background.

About 15 percent of Duke students are enrolled in the Medical Scientist Training Program, which leads to both M.D. and a Ph.D. in one of the basic sciences. Created to train highly qualified students as physician-scientists, the program has graduated more M.D.-Ph.D.s than any such program in the country and is highly regarded nationally.

Interactions between faculty and students is a balanced blend of independent thought and work and advice from some of the finest scientists in the nation. Scientists at all levels in the basic science departments are challenged with scientific questions and problems in their daily work, but the can always seek help from world-class, established scientists who share their expertise.