The Microbial Sciences Initiative (MSI) is an interdisciplinary organization aimed at a comprehensive understanding of the richest biological reservoir of the planet: the microbial world.

 A cross-campus organization that unites more than 100 research labs at Harvard, MSI was founded on the belief that research flourishes where communication and collaboration are maximized. 

Broadly, MSI aims to act as an intellectual hub for microbiology. By providing an organizational focal point for microbial sciences, with strong links to existing departments and schools at Harvard University, MSI encourages broad interactions among researchers and also connects work on microbial sciences to ongoing work in related areas including molecular biology, biogeochemistry, oceanography, and environmental engineering.

MSI programming includes weekly chalk talks, monthly research seminars, and annual symposia,  short courses and trainings in advanced microbial techniques and associated equipment, summer fellowships for Harvard undergraduate students, and research, training, and outreach partnerships with industry leaders.