
Bringing Cancer Vaccines Closer to Patients: D2R Launches New Strategic Funding Initiative
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.

CTR Horizons 2026 | Registration is now open!
Registration is now officially open for CTR Horizons 2026, taking place November 25–26, 2026, at Holiday Inn & Suites Montreal Centre-ville Ouest.

New Indigenous Health Research Project Awarded to Prof Geneviève Bernard to Study a Rare Childhood Brain Disease
In the photo: Prof. Geneviève Bernard speaking at the D2R Research Symposium 2026
RiboClub 2026 to Bring International RNA Research Community to Orford, Québec
The RiboClub 2026 Annual Conference will take place October 4–8, 2026, at the Chéribourg Hotel in Orford, Québec, bringing together researchers, trainees, and industry professionals from across Canada and around the world to discuss the latest developments in RNA science.

D2R launches major international projects to advance personalized genomic medicine
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.

EDI Internship Opportunity – Fall 2026
D2R and the Department of Equity, Ethics and Policy at McGill University launch a call for applications for an EDI Internship OpportunityOver the course of the Fall 2026 semester, work with Prof.

EDI Lunch & Learn | Accessibility in Research Labs
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.

McGill scientists unveil “Alenomers,” a new molecular platform that could rival antibodies
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.

D2R awards $5.74 million in Translational Impact Research funding
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.

EDI Workshop | EDI Missteps: Solutions, Strategies and Successful Practices
In an effort to support researchers in incorporating the principles of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) into their work as RNA research, the D2R EDI Community of Practice is organizing an event to discuss and problem solve through common EDI mistakes in the context of RNA research. In this event, two speakers will share anecdotes on major EDI pitfalls they have encountered and strategies others can use to prevent them in the future.

D2R x Lavery | Patenting Your Invention: A Guide for Researchers
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.

Event | Free AReNA Series of Webinars
AReNA is launching a series of free webinars dedicated to RNA therapies, spotlighting leading international companies to fuel innovation, inspire the local ecosystem, and create tangible collaboration opportunities. The first webinar in this series focuses on one of the field’s most critical challenges: biomanufacturing.

Call for Applications: Robert Sladek Prize for Mentorship in Genomic Medicine
The D2R community is saddened by the passing of Professor Robert Sladek, a founding member of the McGill Genome Centre and a valued member of the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine.
Available Position | D2R seeks Associate Director, Indigenous Health Research
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.

Event | Nucleic Acids Seminar with Byron Purse
Fluorescent Nucleoside Analogues for Live-Cell Imaging of RNA Biology and Single-Molecule StudiesThis Wednesday, March 18 at 11:00am-12:00pm, the Department of Chemistry is hosting a seminar on Nucleic Acids with Professor Byron Purse.
