About
Tenen Lab
Founded in 1984, Tenen Lab has been breaking ground in the field of cell differentiation for decades, pioneering research into both normal and cancer cells' differentiation through transcription factors and gene regulation. You can read more about our research here. But just as important is the close community and culture of researchers that our lab has grown over the years, through collaboration and mentorship, and kept together through a mutual curiosity and dedication to principles of scientific excellence.
Sensible Science
"Explain it like I'm five years old." An often repeated refrain in meetings in the Tenen Lab, the 'Five Year Old' principle is both a reminder to keep our science accessible as well as straightforward. If the results we're trying to argue for aren't visible or explainable to to a five year old, then how can we expect to explain them to reviewers or peers?
Diversity in Perspectives and Opinions
The Tenen Lab has long employed and cultivated scientists from a diverse range of backgrounds and talents. Science flourishes and new projects are born when discussions occur, preconceived notions are challenged and new ideas brought to the table. Even outside of scientific discussions, a melting pot of diverse backgrounds breeds a curiosity and interest in life in general, maintaining a culture of mutual respect for peers around the world and willingness to collaborate with people and groups you would otherwise never cross paths with.
Integrity and Personality
There are some things that cannot be taught in a classroom, and the Tenen Lab strives to provide an environment that encourages scientists to develop the necessary strength of conviction and willingness to speak up that is necessary to truly succeed in any field. Researchers are pushed to communicate clearly and honestly with their questions, critiques and objections, even against Professor Tenen's own theories and practices, and to learn to take and process those critiques in turn in a healthy and objective manner. Even when there are disagreements that are irreconcilable, these are opportunities for new projects that otherwise wouldn't have existed. Many papers have been born out of being told by Professor Tenen to 'prove me wrong' and gone on to exploring new possibilities that have surprised everyone involved.