D2R awards $10 million to accelerate RNA-based therapies for rare diseases and cancer

Montreal, March 26, 2025 – McGill University’s DNA to RNA Initiative (D2R) has awarded over $10 million in funding to support three 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 March 13, 2025.

McGill awards $500,000 to accelerate Mpox research and vaccine development

Montreal, February 13, 2025 – McGill University’s DNA to RNA Initiative (D2R) and McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity (MI4) have awarded $500,000 to fund five high-impact research projects aimed at advancing the understanding of Mpox through its Rapid Response for Mpox Research funding program.

D2R awards over $6 million to support Core Platforms

The D2R (DNA to RNA) Initiative has awarded more than $6 million to support eight Core Platforms at McGill University and one at the University of British Columbia through its Core Platform Sustainability funding program. This program supports state-of-the-art Core Platforms that are essential for advancing research and development and facilitating technology uptake and transfer in fields relevant to RNA therapeutics.

Remembering Emil Skamene (1941–2024), pioneer in genetic research at McGill University 

It is with deep sadness that we remember Emil Skamene, a pioneer in genetic research at McGill University.  His groundbreaking work on host genetic susceptibility to infections has shaped the field for over three decades. Skamene’s legacy continues to inspire scientists, including D2R’s Chief Scientific Officer, Philippe Gros, who, alongside Professor Erwin Schurr, honors him in a heartfelt eulogy published in Nature Genetics.

D2R announces new round of funding, investing $1.5 million to advance research in RNA therapeutics and to support McGill Centres and Institutes

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.

Research | A new trial hopes to use mRNA to halt the devastating progression of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

Prion diseases came to public attention during the 1980s and ’90s, when Mad Cow Disease was in the news. While transmission to humans from infected beef has largely been eliminated, other forms of these devastating diseases are unfortunately still around, like Creutzfeld-Jacob Disease (CJD). In fact, according to the US Centers for Disease Control, cases of CJD have been on the rise in the last two decades.

Event | Seminar, The power of first impressions: Using viral imprinting for broadly reactive vaccine development | Dec 11, 2024

The Emerging Topics in Health (EToH) seminar series is cohosted by the Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Physiology and Human Genetics, the Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI), the McGill University Research Centre on Complex Traits (MRCCT), and M[i]4. The organizers invite guest speakers to talk about their current research. This seminar series is part of the Current Topics & Seminars course and is open for attendance by MIMM students and all interested individuals.

CQDM partners with D2R to enhance collaborations among researchers and industry in RNA research

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.

Event | Workshop in Precision Health and Medicine | January 9, 2025

Synergizing our strengths in new technologies in omics, digital sciences, and translational medicine to advance patient care.

Event | MI4 6th Annual Scientific Symposium | December 4, 2024

Join MI4 for the 6th Annual Scientific Symposium on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 11:30 PM to 5:30 PM at the McGill Faculty Club. This year’s theme, "Microbiome: Decoding the Invisible World," promises an engaging lineup, including a keynote by Prof. Yasmine Belkaid, President of Institut Pasteur. Don’t miss this chance to hear groundbreaking insights from leading experts in the MI4 community.

Event | Practical examples of research in indigenous context | November 20, 2024

D2R partner, Tahatikonhsontóntie' Quebec Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research, is organizing a webinar "Practical examples of research in Indigenous context" on November 20 from 12-1:30pm. 

Guest speakers include: 

Event | Antisense oligonucleotide therapy in an individual with KIF1A-associated neurological disorder | November 14, 2024

Dear Colleagues,

Please see the next Medical Genetics Grand Rounds scheduled talk below:

Philippe Gros appointed Chief Scientific Officer of D2R

Philippe Gros has been appointed Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of McGill’s DNA to RNA (D2R) Initiative, effective September 30, 2024. Prior to this role, he served as Deputy Vice-President (Research and Innovation) at McGill. This appointment follows a thorough international search, with the selection committee enthusiastic about their recommendation.

D2R welcomes RNA and genomic researchers to Université de Sherbrooke

Montreal – October 31, 2024 – McGill University’s DNA to RNA (D2R) research initiative is proud to announce the appointment of three new researchers at Université de Sherbrooke, marking the inaugural recipients of the D2R’s New Faculty Start-Up funding program. Université de Sherbrooke is a partner institution in the D2R initiative, working collaboratively to advance genomic and RNA research.

Event | Practical research experience in a First Nations environment in the field of health and social services evaluation | Dec 20, 2024

December 20, 2024 | 12 h à 13 h Speaker: Cecilia Valdebenito, anthropologist

This webinar has two objectives: