Ragon Institute

Outreach Programs

Our outreach efforts are built on a commitment to advancing health and research both locally and globally. Recognizing the value of science in service of community well-being, the Ragon Institute works to address pressing health challenges, including HIV, TB, malaria, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases, through innovative research and community-focused programs. Our approach is twofold: supporting international programs that drive global health impact and fostering local initiatives that promote scientific learning, mentorship, and inclusivity in the Greater Boston area.

Outreach Programs at the Ragon Institute

Through Ragon International, we partner with healthcare providers, scientists, and communities in high-need areas to implement research that has global impact and is locally responsive, aiming to empower and strengthen healthcare systems in regions most affected by infectious diseases, with a focus on South Africa. In the Boston area, our Education & Outreach initiatives inspire the next generation of scientists by offering educational programs to underrepresented students, fostering diversity and providing accessible science education to the public. These combined efforts enable the Ragon Institute to bridge scientific discovery and the social good, harnessing the power of research to improve health outcomes worldwide.

Ragon International

Ragon International extends the Ragon Institute’s mission across borders, partnering with scientists, healthcare providers, and communities in regions hardest hit by infectious diseases. Our programs focus on uniting groundbreaking research with local, community-driven solutions. Through initiatives like FRESH and ITEACH, we deliver health services, education, and resources to underserved populations, empowering local healthcare infrastructure. Ragon International is dedicated to creating a lasting impact on global health, leveraging scientific advancements in immunology and infectious diseases to improve outcomes in areas that need it most.

Education & Outreach

The Office of Education and Outreach at the Ragon Institute is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for science education in the Greater Boston area. Through programs like RISE and PRISM, we provide mentorship, internships, and educational experiences to underrepresented high school and college students, helping them explore careers in science and research. Additionally, our community programs offer public engagement with science, through partnerships with local institutions. These initiatives aim to inspire young minds, promote diversity in STEM fields, and bridge the gap between scientific research and the local community.

Outreach Impact

Advancing HIV Research for Women at High Risk

The FRESH program provides young women in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal with vital HIV prevention resources and life-skills training. By tracking early immune responses in high-risk populations, FRESH helps researchers develop better prevention and treatment strategies for HIV.

Increasing Diversity in Science

The RISE program supports high school and college students from underrepresented backgrounds with internships and mentorship in immunology. By offering hands-on experience, RISE aims to diversify future generations of scientists, bringing new perspectives to biomedical research.

Supporting Aspiring Scientists through Mentorship

Programs like PRISM engage high school students from underrepresented communities in STEM, offering Saturday science sessions led by Ragon and MIT scientists. This exposure provides early mentorship and fosters a passion for science, encouraging students to pursue careers in research and healthcare.

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