RNA Canada ARN 2024 Meeting

RNA-related processes are important for many aspects of human health. For example, the recent global COVID-19 pandemic was caused by an RNA virus and a return to a pre-pandemic society was helped by the success of RNA-based vaccines. In addition, RNA processes are also critical for other physiological and pathological processes, including human development and cancer. RNA researchers study fundamental RNA chemistry and biology, such as how RNA maturation and degradation, folding, and functions are regulated, as well as their potential applications in detecting diseases in medicine and in agriculture. We aim to bring RNA researchers from all these different disciplines together for a 5-day meeting in Ottawa in October 2024, to foster new connections, enable new collaborations, and provide a platform for Canadian and international RNA researchers across all career stages to present their newest results. Students and trainees will be given ample opportunities to learn, participate, and present. In addition, we also strive to start a conversation between RNA researchers and the public during this meeting by involving industry partners, stakeholders such as patients, and journalists. We aim to share the progress that has been made in recent years, highlight the achievements of Canadian and international researchers, and identify future directions of RNA research. This dialogue will help guide the potential of RNA research to continuously provide benefit to Canadian society and to inspire new discoveries and developments.