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Welcome to the Division of Innate Immunity in the Department of Medicine

Mission

Established in the Fall of 2021, and led by Division Chief Dr. Kate Fitzgerald, the Division of Innate Immunity joins the Department of Medicine with a robust research foundation, and will enable the Department to expand on its current research strengths in infectious diseases and immunology as well as the highly impactful science by faculty in the Program in Innate Immunity. The Division of Innate Immunity will help to grow the number of tenure-line faculty, laboratory space, funding, support staff and administrative support for scientists in the Department, and will also provide a thematic focus from which to recruit scientists and physician-scientists to the Department of Medicine.

Our Research


lab equipmentInnate immunity is central to defend nearly all multi-cellular organisms from microbial infection. The innate immune response relies on germline-encoded receptors, which sense microbial products and endogenous danger signals. These innate responses are critical for effective host defense, but careful regulation of innate immunity is equally essential to  avoid detrimental inflammatory diseases.


News from our Researchers



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Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion


DEI Handshake

The Division of Innate Immunity is committed to providing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for our faculty, postdocs, students, and staff. We oppose discrimination in all forms and strive to educate ourselves about systemic issues by actively engaging in an ongoing dialogue and learning from all members of the program as well as the broader community. We believe that by doing so, we not only strive to provide an environment that is welcoming to all but that also enriches our personal and professional perspectives and approaches to our research and clinical care.

Our ongoing goals include:

  • Recruiting, retaining, and advancing students, postdocs, staff, and faculty from historically underrepresented backgrounds 
  • Fostering dynamic and supportive communities and spaces for individuals to study, experiment, and reflect
  • Supporting our diverse community through seminars, journal clubs, professional development workshops, and other events
  • Encouraging participation in and collaboration with other campus-wide and community initiatives

Diversity Initiatives at UMass Chan Medical School

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