RNA Canada ARN 2024: Promoting Canadian RNA Research Excellence

RNA Canada ARN (www.rnacanada.ca) recently convened RNA Canada ARN 2024: The Future of RNA Technology: a conference that brought over 500 researchers to Ottawa to discuss the future of RNA-based technologies. The event marked a major milestone in Canadian scientific collaboration, celebrating the formal establishment of RNA Canada ARN, a pan-Canadian initiative dedicated to advancing RNA research and innovation. As was recently published by RNA Canada ARN, Canada has a long, rich history of RNA research, and the conference focused on introducing RNA Canada ARN as a key player in shaping the future of RNA technology, providing Canadians with insight into upcoming RNA-based innovations and their impact on Canadian society.  With over 700 members spanning expertise in all aspects of RNA biology and applications, RNA Canada ARN aims to pave the way for breakthroughs in health, biotechnology, and agriculture while advocating for strategic investments and sustainable funding to ensure Canada remains at the forefront of this rapidly advancing field.

A Landmark Event for RNA Canada

This year’s conference showcased the inauguration of RNA Canada ARN as a researchers-based not-for-profit organization in the service of all Canadians. Hosted by Tasha Kheiriddin, the event offered a unique platform for Members of Parliament, Senators, leaders from funding agencies, government officials, and the media to witness the advancements in RNA research and understand the critical need for ongoing support.

Dr. Sherif Abou Elela, President of RNA Canada ARN, highlighted the significance of the event: “The creation of RNA Canada ARN announces a new era for RNA research in Canada. Scientists will work together as one unit to accelerate the translation of research into concrete benefits for all Canadians while maximizing the return on government investment. The future of RNA research in Canada holds immense potential, and RNA Canada is poised to lead this charge.”

One of the key features of the conference was public engagement:  RNA Canada ARN 2024 featured numerous panel discussions and roundtables aimed at non-scientists.  Such sessions included a panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities of RNA-based medicine; a roundtable on emerging RNA innovations in agriculture and food security; a panel discussion featuring clinicians and patients affected by human health challenges for which RNA-based treatments are in development; a panel on the regulation of RNA-based technologies; a session on RNA-centric public outreach led by Nobel laureate Dr. Thomas Cech; and a roundtable geared at young trainees on career opportunities in the new era of RNA biology.   A special session brought together federal funding agency leaders and researchers to explore mechanisms for sustaining and expanding RNA research funding across Canada. Dr. Trushar Patel, Canada Research Chair and co-organizer, notes: “This panel provided insights into how we can maximize funding opportunities for RNA-based research. Collaboration between researchers and funding bodies is key to advancing Canadian science.”

Additionally, more than 80 scientific presentations were given by world-renowned RNA scientists, including Nobel laureate Dr. Phillip Sharp and Canada-Gairdner International Award recipients Dr. Lynne Maquat, Dr. Pieter Cullis, and Dr. Nahum Sonenberg. Of special note, a scientific talk was also presented by Dr. Victor Ambros, who was just announced (with Dr. Gary Ruvkun) as the recipient of the 2024 Nobel prize in Physiology or Medicine for his pioneering work on microRNAs.

As we have noted in Canada Science Policy previously, RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) plays a central role in biological processes and is driving groundbreaking medical advancements. RNA-based vaccines, such as those developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, have demonstrated the vast potential of RNA technologies in addressing global health challenges. As research progresses, RNA’s applications are expanding across sectors, from personalized medicine to sustainable agriculture.

Founded in 2023, RNA Canada ARN is dedicated to advancing RNA research through collaboration between academic, industrial, and governmental stakeholders. By uniting Canada’s RNA research community, RNA Canada aims to drive innovations that benefit Canadians, enhance global competitiveness, and translate fundamental RNA discoveries into real-world applications.  The conference served as a launchpad for RNA Canada’s long-term mission to secure sustainable funding, foster collaborations, and promote RNA research as a key driver of scientific and economic progress in Canada.