MIT Koch Institute
January 23, 2026
With great sadness, the Koch Institute marks the passing of Richard O. Hynes PhD ’71, whose discoveries reshaped modern understandings of how cells interact with each other and their environment, who died January 6, 2026 at age 81.
Daniel K. Ludwig Professor for Cancer Research, Emeritus, and emeritus professor of biology, Hynes was best known for discovering integrins, a family of cell-surface receptors essential to cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesion. His research revealed mechanisms central to embryonic development, tissue integrity, and diseases including cancer, fibrosis, thrombosis, and immune disorders. A founding faculty member of Koch Institute predecessor the MIT Center for Cancer Research, Hynes served as director from 1991-2001. He was deeply respected for his academic and scientific leadership at the Institute and internationally, as well as his intellectual rigor and contributions as an educator and mentor.
“Richard approached complex problems with a thoughtfulness and clarity that few can achieve,” notes Koch Institute director Matthew Vander Heiden. “He was also so generous in his willingness to provide help and advice, and did so with a genuine kindness that was appreciated by everyone.”