Skip to main content

Basic Science Discoveries

Siepel

An Elegant Interface

Adam Siepel studies DNA—but his computer is his microscope. He discovers stories hidden in very large sets of data about DNA function and evolution. At the interface of biology, computer science, and statistics, Siepel takes "deep satisfaction in finding elegant solutions to difficult technical problems."

Research universities are the great drivers of basic science—investigation into the fundamental biology, physics, and chemistry of life.

Applied advances such as new medicines, biomedical devices, food safety tests, and surgical techniques arise from this important foundational work.

For example, Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology director Scott Emr's research on single-celled yeast has produced information about how proteins enter and exit cells. His findings have laid the groundwork for other breakthroughs, including keys to understanding cancer and HIV.

Basic science research has always been a strong force at Cornell. But its future is even brighter, thanks to a strategic investment in the Weill Institute and an influx of researchers across the university who are driven to pursue knowledge at the frontiers of intellectual inquiry.