Haoran Cai      
Community and Membership Engagement Subcommittee
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Research Interest:

My fascination with the natural world began with an exploration of complexity. How does the complex behavior of a biological system emerge from simple rules? How do they interact to form the systems we associate with life, from single cells to ecosystems? Questions like these are the ones that tantalized me into entering the world of science, leading me to the realms of genetics and evolutionary biology. The allure of these fields lay in their potential to answer the fundamental “why” of existence—the origins of life and the forces shaping its evolution. One might marvel at the exceptional richness of biodiversity in the world, yet it begs the question: is it solely the product of environmental pressures? Or do self-organization, physical laws, and developmental principles play a significant role in sculpting biological systems? Ultimately, how do these factors influence our understanding of complex traits and their evolutionary trajectories? Currently, I try to use computational approaches to integrate such ideas and concepts from evolutionary theory, evolutionary genetics, developmental biology, and macroevolution.

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most?

Throughout my research career, I’ve found the most fulfilling moments arise when weaving together disparate ideas and theories, illuminating the intricate connections between fundamental concepts. It’s incredibly rewarding to reconcile seemingly contradictory perspectives, or even to elegantly reframe a question to unlock deeper layers of understanding. Driven by this passion for discovery, I aspire to a career in academia. The opportunity to conduct research, to nurture the next generation of scientists through teaching and mentorship, and to contribute to the collective pursuit of knowledge resonates deeply with my values. Academia offers the ideal environment to continue exploring the questions that ignite my curiosity and to contribute meaningfully to the broader scientific community. 

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise?

In addition to my research, I am passionate about advancing the scientific enterprise through the following objectives:

  • Illuminating the science of science: I believe in the power of meta-research to illuminate the very dynamics of scientific progress. By examining how research is conducted, disseminated, and translated into impact—including the intricate collaboration and citation networks across various disciplines, and the fascinating phenomenon of scientific paradigm shifts—we can unlock a deeper understanding of the forces shaping discovery.
  • Reimagining publication practices: My experience soliciting preprints for the Proceedings of the Royal Society B has provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of scientific publishing. I am eager to champion new models that prioritize accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in the dissemination of knowledge. This includes advocating for preprint servers, innovative peer-review systems, and other initiatives that accelerate the pace of scientific communication.
  • Fostering a vibrant ecosystem of dialogue and collaboration: Scientific progress thrives on robust debate and the open exchange of ideas. I envision creating platforms—workshops, forums, and collaborative initiatives—that foster constructive discussion, interdisciplinary synergy, and a rich intellectual exchange within the scientific community.

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish?

I am deeply committed to cultivating an inclusive and supportive global community for geneticists and evolutionary biologists. To achieve this vision, I will focus on several key initiatives. Firstly, I believe in empowering early-career researchers. This means prioritizing mentorship programs that connect them with experienced scientists, offering workshops to hone their grant and proposal writing skills, and creating networking opportunities tailored to their specific needs. Secondly, I aim to build a robust support system for international researchers. This includes facilitating networking events to foster connections and collaboration, providing career development workshops adapted to their unique circumstances, and offering guidance to navigate the cultural and linguistic nuances that can arise in international settings.

I am profoundly grateful to the Genetics Society of America for this invaluable opportunity to contribute to the growth and well-being of our scientific community. This platform will allow me to translate these aspirations into action, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant future for the genetic community.

Previous leadership experience

Organizer, Multilingual Seminar Series (Mandarin), Genetics Society of America (2024)

Early Career Peer Review Training Program, Genetics Society of America (2023–present)

Student Representative, CEE Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, MIT (2022–2023)

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