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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Published on: 19 Nov 2025
Join D2R and the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) for an event in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Women's History Month, in collaboration with Fondation du cancer du sein du Québec and the association Audace au féminin.
Published on: 3 Oct 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:
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.
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.
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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.
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Published on: 19 Dec 2024
Montréal, November 28th – CQDM is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the D2R (DNA to RNA) Initiative at McGill University, aimed at funding translational research projects carried out through collaborations between researchers and industry. This alliance seeks to support and accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative RNA-based therapies. It aims to provide patients with safer and more effective therapeutic options, particularly for treating cancer, rare diseases, and preventing various infectious diseases.
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Published on: 28 Nov 2024
The first human genome, which has served as the reference until now, was released approximately 20 years ago. It was a landmark accomplishment that had a huge impact on biomedical research and changed the way scientists study human biology. But it was based on just a few individuals and did not capture the full genetic diversity of the human population.
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Published on: 5 Jun 2023
