The DNA to RNA (D2R) Initiative is launching a new Strategic Initiative on Cancer Vaccines to accelerate the development of innovative cancer vaccine therapies and bring promising discoveries closer to patients.

The DNA to RNA (D2R) Initiative is launching a new Strategic Initiative on Cancer Vaccines to accelerate the development of innovative cancer vaccine therapies and bring promising discoveries closer to patients.

D2R's funded-researcher Thomas Duchaine recently sat down with Radio-Canada to discuss emerging research suggesting that RNA vaccines developed for COVID-19 may also enhance the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments.

Mental health in high-performing research environments is a shared responsibility and a growing challenge we must address together.
Every professor, student, research staff, and administrative staff can play a vital role in creating healthy, supportive, and inclusive research spaces. This includes standing by colleagues who disclose their disabilities and ensuring everyone can thrive.

Montreal – November 6, 2025 | The DNA to RNA (D2R) initiative at McGill University is proud to announce the recipients of the second cycle of the Foundational and Research in Motion (RIM) funding programs.
From common diseases affecting millions, such as lung cancer, to rare disorders like lipodystrophy, this investment of over 5.3 million dollars reflects D2R’s commitment to advancing bold ideas and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across the discovery-to-implementation spectrum.

On October 23, at the 2025 Rendez-Vous Génome Québec in Montréal, Professor Treena Wasonti:io Delormier was announced as the recipient of the D2R Genomic Medicine and Indigenous Health Award.

Update | The DNA to RNA (D2R) website has a new section dedicated to Training. From Master's to Postdoctoral, this space provides graduate students at all levels with access to workshops, events, and resources aligned with D2R’s interdisciplinary mission. Topics include RNA therapeutics, genomic medicine, equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), commercialization, data science, and career development beyond academia.

D2R | DNA to RNA is launching the next round of funding for the Translational Impact Research (TIR) program. This program supports a select few large-scale translational research projects in RNA-based therapeutics which are expected to have a measurable impact on the health of Canadians. Projects must address the D2R Initiative’s strategic priorities and priority disease areas: oncology, rare diseases, infectious diseases, cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases.
This competition is open to:

D2R | DNA to RNA is launching the International Partnerships Program (IPP) to strengthen large-scale, multi-institutional collaborations with leading global organizations. This strategic funding program supports partnerships that align with D2R’s mission, offer complementary expertise, and provide enriched, multidisciplinary training environments. The program will prioritize initiatives with strong institutional commitment, alignment with D2R’s research priorities, and potential for high global impact.