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.

Classified as: D2R, D2R Initiative, Oncology, Cancer, FMHS, biochemistry, DNAtoRNA
Published on: 3 Aug 2026

In the photo: Prof. Geneviève Bernard speaking at the D2R Research Symposium 2026

Classified as: Indigenous Health Research, Indigenous Health, D2R, DNAtoRNA
Published on: 20 Jul 2026

Montreal, June 19, 2026 — McGill University’s DNA to RNA (D2R) initiative has announced two new international research projects aimed at accelerating personalized genomic medicine and RNA-based therapies. Funded through D2R’s International Partnerships Program (IPP), each project receives $600,000 and brings together leading institutions across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Classified as: D2R, DNAtoRNA, InternationalPartnerships
Published on: 19 Jun 2026

D2R and the Department of Equity, Ethics and Policy at McGill University launch a call for applications for an EDI Internship Opportunity

Classified as: EDI, equity, diversity, inclusion, internships, D2R, DNAtoRNA
Published on: 8 Jun 2026

This event is open to everyone who wants to contribute to creating accessible research environments.

In honour of Quebec’s Week for Persons with Disabilities, D2R - in collaboration with the Quebec Interuniversity Network in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion with and the Equity Team at McGill University - invites you to a Lunch & Learn to present the new Practical Toolkit for Research Teams to foster Accessibility in Research Labs.

During this event we will present a few key elements of this toolkit, including:

Classified as: EDI, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, Research, DNAtoRNA, D2R, LUNCH&LEARN
Published on: 25 May 2026

Montreal, May 6, 2026 – Researchers from McGill University have introduced a groundbreaking new class of molecules that could significantly reshape drug discovery and development. The technology, called Aptamer‑Like ENcoded OligoMERs (Alenomers), combines the advantages of antibodies and DNA‑based therapeutics while overcoming key limitations of both.

Classified as: Aptamers, DrugDiscovery, biotechnology, ChemicalBiology, TranslationalScience, TherapeuticDevelopment, D2R
Published on: 6 May 2026

Montreal – April 29, 2026 | McGill University’s DNA to RNA Initiative (D2R) has invested nearly $6 million in funding to support four groundbreaking research projects that will advance RNA-based therapies for cancer and rare genetic diseases. The awards were initially announced at the D2R Research Symposium on April 23-24, 2026.

Classified as: D2R, DNA to RNA, TIR, Translational Research, funding
Published on: 29 Apr 2026

Have an innovative idea and not sure how the patenting process works? Join D2R and Lavery to learn how patent strategy supports scientific impact and how early choices impact downstream commercialization value when bringing life science innovations to market.

Designed to be accessible without sacrificing rigor, this session equips researchers and research administrators with a clearer understanding of how patent strategy supports scientific impact - and how early choices can materially affect downstream value and commercialization to bring life sciences innovations to market.

Classified as: training, Research, D2R, D2R Training Program
Published on: 15 Apr 2026

DNA to RNA (D2R) is seeking an Associate Director, Indigenous Health Research to lead the development and implementation of its Indigenous Strategy and Research Plan.

Reporting to the D2R Director of Administration, this role will support Indigenous-led health research, foster strong partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations, and ensure the integration of Indigenous knowledge across all aspects of research and training.

The position also oversees funding initiatives, training programs, and a team dedicated to community engagement.

Classified as: Indigenous Health Research, Indigenous Health, D2R, DNAtoRNA
Published on: 19 Mar 2026

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.

Classified as: D2R, D2R Initiative, EDI, equity, diversity, inclusion, mental health, International Day for Persons with Disabilities
Published on: 19 Nov 2025

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.

Applicant Eligibility:

This competition is open to:

Classified as: international partnerships, research funding, research opportunities, multidisciplinary research, DNAtoRNA, D2R, D2R Initiative
Published on: 27 Aug 2025

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.

Classified as: international partnerships, research funding, research opportunities, multidisciplinary research, DNAtoRNA, D2R, D2R Initiative
Published on: 14 Aug 2025

 

Long dismissed as “junk,” viral fragments buried in human DNA may help regulate our genes, according to a new international study co-led by Guillaume Bourque, professor in McGill’s Department of Human Genetics, D2R-funded researcher and member of the D2R Research Steering Committee and Executive (RSC). The findings offer new insights into what makes us human, 25 years after the human genome was first mapped.

Classified as: DNA analysis, External, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Guillaume Bourque, evolution, D2R
Published on: 29 Jul 2025

Montreal – December 19, 2024 – The D2R (DNA to RNA) Initiative is proud to announce the recipients of its latest round of funding, awarding a total of $1.5 million to four principal investigators and five McGill University Centres and Institutes. These awards are designed at advancing research in RNA therapeutics by facilitating industry collaboration and supporting the next generation of scientific leaders as well as research Centres and Institutes.

Classified as: Commercialization, Innovation and Partnerships, D2R, DNA
Published on: 19 Dec 2024

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