2025 Symposium

From July 30 to August 1, 2025, Harvard had the pleasure of hosting the Herchel Smith Research Symposium for three vibrant days in Boston, MA. The event took place across both the Harvard University and Harvard Medical School campuses, welcoming over 50 Herchel Smith Ph.D. students, professors, and administrative representatives from both Harvard and the University of Cambridge.

Notable guests included Harvard Dean Emma Dench and British Consul General David Clay, who attended the Herchel Smith Celebratory Dinner at the Harvard Museum of Natural History. The dinner featured a special toast led by Professors Chris Hunter and Rick Born, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Dr. Herchel Smith. Their remarks honored Dr. Smith’s enduring legacy and the ongoing impact of his generosity on both institutions.

The symposium was organized by Harvard Professors Rick Born, Susan Dymecki, Mark Elliott, and Dyann Wirth, along with their University of Cambridge counterparts—Professors Bhaskar Vira, Christopher Hunter, Kathy Niakan, Eric Miska, and Sarah Bray. The program featured scientific sessions, student presentations, and poster displays that spurred lively discussion and showcased the outstanding research conducted by our scholars. A special highlight was a faculty lecture by Harvard Professor Marge Livingstone: "What Art Can Tell Us About the Brain."

We were also delighted to welcome several alumni for a career panel, which inspired insightful dialogue on post-Ph.D. career opportunities. The panel included Herchel Smith Fellow alumni Charles Fulco, Elias Gerrick, and Taralyn Tan.

On August 1, student fellows enjoyed a classic Boston tradition with a group outing to a Red Sox game at Fenway Park—an experience made even more memorable by an extra-innings Red Sox victory.

At the symposium’s close, fellows and faculty bid a heartfelt farewell to Professor Dyann Wirth, longstanding chair of the Herchel Smith faculty committee, who will be stepping down this year. We thank Professor Wirth for her exceptional dedication and service, and look forward to her continued involvement with the fellowship community.

The symposium provided opportunities not only for academic exchange but also for renewing friendships and building collegiality, all set against the backdrop of historic Boston. We look forward to reuniting the community again at next year’s symposium!