Feng Zhang

Feng Zhang is the James and Patricia Poitras Professor in Neuroscience at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research and a Professor in the departments of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Biological Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He is also a Core Member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. His interdisciplinary work bridges neuroscience, bioengineering, and molecular therapeutics.

Dr. Zhang's research focuses on improving human health by developing tools to modify cellular function and activity. His lab uses synthetic biology to create methods for epigenomic and genomic engineering, with applications in neurobiological study. Recent breakthroughs include the development of SHERLOCK for nucleic acid detection, SEND for molecular delivery, and novel systems like TIGR-Tas and Fanzor for genome editing.

Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) shows a strong emphasis on expanding the CRISPR toolbox with new RNA-guided systems, improving delivery mechanisms for therapeutic applications, and developing more precise genome editing tools. His work spans molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology with increasing focus on translational applications for human health.

Major Scientific Awards:

• NIH Director's Pioneer Award
• Alan T. Waterman Award
• Gairdner Foundation International Award
• Tsuneko & Reiji Okazaki Award
• Forbes 30 Under 30 (2017)
• Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
• Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences

Dr. Zhang's lab maintains active funding through multiple channels including the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and NIH grants. His research program supports numerous postdoctoral fellows and graduate students working at the intersection of neuroscience and bioengineering. The lab culture emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, technical innovation, and translating basic science discoveries into potential therapeutic applications, particularly for neurodegenerative diseases and genetic disorders.

The Zhang Lab continues to push boundaries in genome engineering with recent work on bacterial nanosyringes for targeted biomolecule delivery, evolution-guided protein design for epigenome editing, and novel RNA-targeting CRISPR systems. These advances position the lab at the forefront of developing next-generation molecular tools for both research and potential clinical applications.