Public education will be critical as provinces roll out new cervical cancer screening method, researchers say

As Canada moves to modernize cervical cancer screening, a new study suggests most women do not yet understand or trust the shift from the Pap test to human papillomavirus (HPV) based screening.

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.

Moderate UV light is best when it comes to boosting the vitamin D content of edible mushrooms, McGill study finds

Researchers at McGill University have discovered that moderate ultraviolet (UV) light exposure is best when the technique is used to enhance vitamin D₂ in edible mushrooms. Excessive exposure leads to nutrient degradation or a plateau effect, they found. The paper also provides quantitative guidance. 

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

This Wednesday, March 18 at 11:00am-12:00pm, the Department of Chemistry is hosting a seminar on Nucleic Acids with Professor Byron Purse.

Call for Applicants: Summer 2026 Internship

The HeDS-D2R Platform is seeking two interdisciplinary interns passionate about the intersection of biology, data science, and RNA therapeutics to join the team and contribute to a project that makes a real difference in the genomics and research community.

Two Project Tracks:

Strengthening Global Capacity Through a New Partnership with the PATH RNA Cooperative and support from the Gates Foundation

Montreal, QC, February 25, 2026 - McGill’s DNA to RNA (D2R) Initiative - a $165M initiative funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund to turn genomic discoveries into RNA-based treatments - is expanding its global health impact.

McGill ranked among the top three medical/doctoral research universities of the year

RE$EARCH Infosource Inc., a research, consulting, and publishing firm specializing in policy, research, business intelligence and analysis on science, technology, innovation in Canada, recently released Canada's Top 50 Research Universities List and the Research Universities of the Year (RUY) lists for 2023. McGill is among the three top Medical/Doctoral Research Universities of the Year, in second place behind the University of Toronto and ahead of McMaster University.

Change in nomenclature: Vice-Principal to Vice-President (Research and Innovation)

On December 12, 2023, the changes in title for senior leadership positions at McGill from Principal to President and Vice-Principal to Vice-President became official.

More than $900,000 for genomically-driven sustainable agriculture research at McGill

On December 12, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, announced an investment of $41 million for genomics research under Genome Canada's Genomics Applications Partnership Program (GAPP). Over $23 million will be invested in genomics in Québec, including $5.4 million through Génome Québec.