New McGill centre aims to further develop the potential of RNA therapeutics & biotechnological and diagnostic tools

From internationally recognized leaders in biomedical and clinical research, to experts in computer science and artificial intelligence, the new McGill Centre for RNA Sciences (MCRS), launched in 2022, is an interdisciplinary research centre and the outcome of a collaboration between the Faculties of Medicine and Health Sciences, Engineering, and Science at McGill University. 

The vaccines developed to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic showed the world the power of RNA-based therapeutics. Now, the MCRS, will build upon the expertise and critical mass already existing at McGill, as well as the widespread emergence of CRISPR, and other RNA technologies, to develop new potentially life-saving therapeutics, and better biotechnological and diagnostic tools.  

“To facilitate the seamless acceleration of RNA discoveries, the MCRS has put interdisciplinary collaboration at the forefront of its mission,” explains the Centre’s inaugural Director, Thomas Duchaine, PhD, Professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Associate Director at the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute. “We are uniting over 35 groups led by experts involved in RNA research across McGill and creating a space for collaborations to flourish between these diverse units within the University, as well as with partners in other academic and clinical institutions and industry.” 

The MCRS will also be a haven for young trainees who are seeking lab experience in this important field. “Breakthroughs in the RNA sciences point to its transformation into a full-fledged industry, resulting in a broad range of emerging opportunities for trainees,” said Prof. Duchaine. 

For full details about the goals and objectives of the McGill Centre for RNA Sciences, and to browse the interdisciplinary researchers, visit the MCRS website: https://www.mcgill.ca/rna/

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