About Us
RNA Canada
Who we are
RNA Canada ARN is a non-profit organization, established in 2023. RNA Canada ARN researchers share an appreciation for the variety of RNA types and functions. They are working together to harness the power of RNA biology to improve the lives of Canadians via therapeutic, diagnostic, agricultural, and biotechnology advances.
RNA Canada ARN unites world-leading RNA scientists at universities and biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies across Canada to form an extensive and cohesive network.
RNA Canada ARN trains the next generation of RNA researchers in classrooms and research labs across the country to accelerate RNA-related research discoveries and build a brighter future for Canada.
RNA Canada ARN engages with the public, to teach Canadians about the features and uses of RNA technologies, so that they are empowered to access these technologies in their lives.
RNA Canada ARN collaborates with the government to set research priorities that maximize RNA discoveries, advance the economy, and enhance the lives of Canadians.
Organizational Structure
RNA Canada ARN is a network of over 300 academic and industry research labs from over 20 universities and several companies across Canada.
Members are organized into 7 Regional RNA Networks, based on geographical location.
The Board of Directors are elected by the members, and constitute the decision making arm of the organization. The Executive Committee, comprised of the President, Chairperson, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, is selected by the Board of Directors and provides the day to day leadership of RNA Canada ARN.
Six Standing Committees are focused on different activities of the organization, and report to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
An International Science and Industry Advisory Board provides oversight and advice to RNA Canada ARN.
Board of Directors
RNA Canada ARN’s Board of Directors guides the initiatives and goals of the organization.
Directors are nominated and elected by RNA Canada ARN members from each region and hold two year terms.
Members of the Board of Directors
- Pr. Sherif Abou Elela, Université de Sherbrooke, Quebec
- Pr. Julie Claycomb, University of Toronto, Ontario
- Pr. Thomas Duchaine, McGill University, Quebec
- Pr. Anne-Claude Gingras, University of Toronto, Ontario
- Pr. Pavan Kumar Kakumani, Memorial University, Newfoundland
- Pr. Pascale Legault, Université de Montréal, Quebec
- Pr. Howard Lipshitz, University of Toronto, Ontario
- Pr. Sean McKenna, University of Manitoba, Manitoba
- Pr. Jonathan Perreault, INRS, Quebec
- Pr. Martin Simard, Université Laval, Québec
- Pr. Nehalkumar Thakor, University of Lethbridge, Alberta
- Pr. Ly Vu, University of British Columbia, British Columbia
- Pr. Amanda Hargrove, University of Toronto, Ontario
- Pr. Timothy Audas, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is comprised of the officers of RNA Canada ARN. These officers are chosen by the Board of Directors from among the Directors. The role of the Executive Committee is to implement policy, advise the Board of Directors, and execute RNA Canada ARN goals and initiatives, providing day-to-day leadership of the organization.
President: Dr. Sherif Abou Elela
Dr. Sherif Abou Elela is a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease (Infectiology) at the Universite de Sherbrooke. His lab’s research focuses on understanding the fundamental mechanisms controlling RNA synthesis and stability in eukaryotic cells (like humans) under normal conditions, as well as stress and disease states, like cancer. In recent years, his lab has demonstrated that RNA is a major source of cancer biomarkers and may predict tumour behaviour and drug resistance. Dr. Abou Elela has been a longstanding champion of the Canadian RNA Community, establishing the RiboClub seminar series and yearly conference nearly 25 years ago, and spearheading the formation of RNA Canada ARN in 2022. He has served as the director of the Sherbrooke Laboratory of Functional Genomics, the scientific director of Genome Quebec RNomics platform. Sherif is also the Canada Research Chair in RNA Biology and Cancer Genomics.
Chair of the Board: Dr. Howard Lipshitz
Dr. Howard Lipshitz is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto. His lab’s research focuses on post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by RNA-binding proteins. They use two model systems: early Drosophila embryos and human iPSCs, the latter to study RNA-binding proteins implicated in autism spectrum disorder. He has held academic leadership positions at the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute (Associate Director, Program Head) and at the university (Chair, Department of Molecular Genetics). He is currently Editor in Chief of Genetics, the flagship journal of the Genetics Society of America, in which capacity he also serves on its Board of Directors. He previously served on the Board of Directors of the Society for Developmental Biology. Howard is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Vice Chair: Dr. Sean McKenna
Dr. Sean McKenna is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Associate Dean (Programs) in the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba. His lab studies non-coding RNAs that function as scaffolds through which a network of mRNAs critical for tumour cell proliferation and migration are regulated, and on understanding the recognition of viral RNA by innate immunity enzymes. Dr. McKenna has participated in the RiboWest conference since 2009 and is the current organizer of the Manitoba RNA Salon. Dr. McKenna has served as a chair/scientific officer/member of CIHR Project Grant committees, an NSERC Discovery Grant evaluation group and an NSERC Scholarships & Fellowships Fellowships panel.
Secretary: Dr. Julie Claycomb
Dr. Julie Claycomb is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics, at the University of Toronto. Her lab focuses on understanding small RNA-mediated gene regulation using the tiny worm C. elegans as a model system. Dr. Claycomb was the Canada Research Chair in Small RNA Biology from 2012-2022. Dr. Claycomb co-founded and co-organizes Toronto RNA Enthusiasts’ Day, and has led the Toronto RNA Club since 2016. She also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the RNA Society, the Canadian Representative on the International C. elegans Board (WormBoard), and is an Associate Editor at the journal GENETICS.
Treasurer: Dr. Nehal Thakor
Dr. Nehal Thakor is a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Lethbridge. He is also affiliated with the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute (Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary), Southern Alberta Genome Science Centre (SAGSC), and the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN). Dr. Thakor has a long-standing interest in studying the regulation of mRNA translation (protein synthesis). His current research is focused on understanding mechanisms of non-canonical translation initiation during cellular stress and oncogenesis. To this end, Dr. Thakor’s laboratory employs various cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and pan-omics techniques. Dr. Thakor is actively involved in organizing RiboWest conferences and he spearheaded the establishment of RNA Alberta ARN within the province of Alberta.
Standing Committee Membership
There are seven Standing Committees that help to develop and execute RNA Canada ARN’s goals.
Please reach out if you would like to volunteer for one of these committees and get in touch with committee chairs if you have any questions.
International Science and Industry Advisory Committee
The International Scientific Advisory Committee is composed of world-leaders in RNA biology, in both the academic and industry sectors. These high profile researchers provide guidance and input in developing and steering the goals and initiatives of RNA Canada ARN.
Members
- John Mattick, Chair: Professor, University of New South Wales, Australia
- Hossein Borhan: Research Scientist, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
- Melanie Bourassa Forcier: Professor, National School of Public Administration ENAP, Canada
- Martha Crago: Professor & VP Research & Innovation, McGill University, Canada
- Pieter Cullis: Professor, UBC & Founder, Acuitas Therapeutics, Canada
- Cindy Bell: Science Advocate & Former VP, Genome Canada
- Marc LePage: Former President, Genome Canada & Former Consul General, San Francisco
- Chris Manchur: Agronomy Specialist, Canola Council of Canada
- Rahbar Rahimpour: Director, R&D Strategic Alliances, Moderna
- Steve Robinson: Research Scientist, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
- Janet Rossant: President, Gairdner Foundation, Canada
- Nahum Sonenberg: Professor, McGill University, Canada
- Keith Williams: Assistant Professor, Athabasca U, Canada
- Sandra Wolin: Senior Investigator, National Cancer Institute, USA
Standing Committees
Membership and Analytics
Membership and Analytics
Chair: Dr. Hosna Jabbari
Email: membership@rnacanada.ca
MANDATE: The Membership and Analytics Committee is responsible for managing all aspects of RNA Canada’s membership. The committee focuses on membership growth, improving member experiences, and developing a comprehensive understanding of the membership base and ecosystem.
RNA Canada ARN Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Please SAVE THE DATE for our 2026 RNA Canada ARN Annual General Meeting, to be held MONDAY, JANUARY 12TH, 2026
Professor, University of Manitoba
Associate Professor, Univesity of Alberta
Professor, University of Lethbridge
Professor, University of Lethbridge
Assistant Professor, Université de Sherbrooke
Assistant Professor, Université de Sherbrooke
Assistant Professor, Université Laval
Assistant Professor, Memorial University of Newfoundland
BioNet Alberta
Research Associate, University of Ottawa
Graduate Student, University of Lethbridge
Graduate Student, Université de Sherbrooke
Associate Professor, University of Toronto
Web / Game Developer,, McGill University
Outreach and Meetings
Outreach and Meetings
Email: outreach@rnacanada.ca
MANDATE: The committee’s primary role is to build, support, and connect the Canadian RNA research community through effective communication with all sectors, including members (trainees, professors and company representatives, elected officials, funding agencies, and the public. The committee is responsible for educating and informing the public about RNA biology in various formats. The committee’s key objectives are to connect the members to each other and to the goals of RNA Canada, and establish a visible public footprint for RNA Canada that is recognized by the general public and the government of Canada.
AReNA: From Mission to Action
A year of collective impact: presentations, discussions and networking Thursday October 16, 2025, from 5 p.m. Location :Grande Bibliothèque de BAnQ475 Boulevard
RNA Canada Virtual Career Panel Series: Launching Your Career in Publishing
On June 12th RNA Canada ARN is hosting the latest edition of our Virtual Career Panel Series. Time: Jun 12,
Toronto RNA Enthusiasts Day (TREnD)
We would like to invite you and your lab members to our annual Toronto RNA Enthusiasts Day (TREnD), which
RiboWest
Oki! We invite you to the RiboWest 2025 Conference to be hosted at the University of Lethbridge, on June 8–11,
2025 RiboClub Annual Meeting
The Riboclub 2025 Annual Meeting is a flagship event for RNA researchers in Canada and beyond, serving as the opening session for
Professor, York University
Assistant Professor, Université de Montréal
Professor, University of Toronto
Professor, Western University
Assistant Professor, University of Toronto
Assistant Professor, University of Lethbridge
Associate Professor, York University
Assistant Professor, Université Laval
Professor, University of Toronto
Assistant Professor, University of British Columbia
Professor, Université Laval
Assistant Professor, Université de Montréal
Postdoctoral Fellow, York University
Graduate Student, University of Toronto
Graduate Student, York University
Graduate Student, University of Ottawa
Research Associate, Université Laval
Professor, Northwestern University
Web / Game Developer,, McGill University
Patient Outreach Subcommittee
Professor, Western University
Professor, Northwestern University
Early Career Representative, University of Toronto
Assistant Professor, University of Lethbridge
Graduate Student, University of Toronto
Merchandise Subcommittee
Assistant Professor, Université de Montréal
Postdoctoral Fellow, York University
Graduate Student, York University
Graduate Student, University of Ottawa
Meetings Subcommittee
Associate Professor, York University
Assistant Professor, Université Laval
Professor, University of Toronto
Assistant Professor, University of Lethbridge
Newsletter Subcommittee
Professor, Université Laval
Research Associate, Université Laval
Website Management
Professor, University of Toronto
Web / Game Developer,, McGill University
International Science
and
Industry
Advisory
Committee
John
Mattick
(Chair)U. New South Wales, Australia
Committee
Members- Lorne
BabiukU. Saskatchewan- Nahum
SonenbergMcGill U.
- Cindy
BellFormer Vice President, Genome Canada- Sandra
WolinNIH, USA
- Melanie
Bourassa
ForcierU. Sherbrooke- Keith
WilliamsFirst Nations Technical Institute, Ontario
- Thomas
PreissAustralian National U.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity
Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity
Email: edi@rnacanada.ca
MANDATE: The EDI Committee is dedicated to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in all RNA Canada ARN activities and at every level. It aims to support RNA Canada ARN entities in establishing and implementing measures to:
Recommend fair processes and equitable outcomes for RNA Canada Activities.
Recognize, value, and embrace diversity within the RNA community.
Cultivate an environment where all RNA researchers are treated fairly and respectfully.
EDI workshop @ 2025 RiboClub
EDI workshop within the context of the 2025 RiboClub conference. For more information, visit https://home.riboclub.org/annual-meeting/#upcoming
Professor, Université de Sherbrooke
Associate Professor, Université Laval
Professor, University of Toronto
Professor, University of Manitoba
Instructor, University of Lethbridge
Harvard University
University of Waterloo
Education
Education
Chair: Marc Fabian
Email: education@rnacanada.ca
MANDATE: The Education Committee’s primary role is to coordinate training efforts in RNA biology and provide tools and support to undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees across Canada. The Education Committee aims to create virtual training opportunities, identify training programs, offer career advice, and facilitate inter-laboratory training. The committee will foster an inclusive and supportive environment for trainees from diverse backgrounds and will assist them in identifying training and career opportunities in the field of RNA biology.
RNA Canada Virtual Career Panel Series: Launching Your Career in Publishing
On June 12th RNA Canada ARN is hosting the latest edition of our Virtual Career Panel Series. Time: Jun 12,
Associate Professor, McGill University
Professor, University of British Columbia
Professor, Université de Sherbrooke
University of Toronto
Brandon University
Assistant Professor, University of British Columbia
Université de Sherbrooke
Associate Professor, University of Toronto
Assistant Professor, Université de Sherbrooke
Graduate Student, Université de Sherbrooke
Graduate Student, University of Toronto
Graduate Student, University of Toronto
Graduate Student, University of British Columbia
Graduate Student, University of Ottawa
Industry Liaison
Industry Liaison
Chair: Jonathan Perreault
Email: ilc@rnacanada.ca
MANDATE: The Industry Liaison Committee is dedicated to fostering collaboration and connections between the academic and industrial sectors of RNA research across Canada. The main goal of this committee is to promote interactions between industry and academic researchers in Canada and facilitate the development of Canadian RNA technologies.
AReNA: From Mission to Action
A year of collective impact: presentations, discussions and networking Thursday October 16, 2025, from 5 p.m. Location :Grande Bibliothèque de BAnQ475 Boulevard
RNA Canada Virtual Career Panel Series: Launching Your Career in Publishing
On June 12th RNA Canada ARN is hosting the latest edition of our Virtual Career Panel Series. Time: Jun 12,
Associate Professor, Institut national de la recherche scientifique
Professor, Université de Sherbrooke
Research Scientist, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre
Assistant Professor, Université de Sherbrooke
Research Scientist, Industry
Research Scientist, NanoVation
Graduate Student, University of Toronto
Professor, University of British Columbia
Professor, Université de Montreal
Professor, Université de Montreal
Research Funding Coordination and Support
Research Funding Coordination and Support
Chair: Michael Strong
Email: grants@rnacanada.ca
MANDATE: The Research Funding Coordination and Support Committee’s primary goal is to proactively identify and communicate national and international networks and large-scale funding opportunities to RNA Canada members. The committee is responsible for forming grant-application work groups, coordinating the application process for projects with overlapping or complementary interests, and providing support to researchers interested in pursuing large-scale projects. The committee’s role is to facilitate the application process for large-scale funding opportunities rather than directly writing grants or securing funding.
AReNA: From Mission to Action
A year of collective impact: presentations, discussions and networking Thursday October 16, 2025, from 5 p.m. Location :Grande Bibliothèque de BAnQ475 Boulevard
Professor, Western University
Professor, Université de Sherbrooke
Professor, University of Toronto
Director, UBC's RNA and Formulation Core
Professor, University of Toronto
Professor, University of Lethbridge
Assistant Professor, University of Lethbridge
Professor, University of British Columbia
Former President, Genome Canada
Ad Hoc Committees
Awards Committee
Awards Committee
Chair: Martin Simard
Email: awards@rnacanada.ca
MANDATE: The Awards Committee is an ad-hoc committee responsible for soliciting nominations for the three RNA Canada ARN awards described below, as well as evaluating nominees and compiling a shortlist of recommended awardees. The Board makes the final selection of awardees for RNA Canada ARN based on the Awards Committee’s recommendations.
- (1) RNA Canada ARN’s Moderna Discovery of the Year Award
The RNA Canada ARN Discovery of the Year Award recognizes groundbreaking RNA discoveries made by Canadian researchers (either as a group or individually) during the past year. - (2) RNA Canada ARN’s Moderna Trainee of the Year Award
The RNA Canada ARN Trainee of the Year Award recognizes a trainee (undergraduate, graduate student, or postdoctoral researcher) who, in the past year, has made significant contributions to RNA research with the potential for future impact. - (3) RNA Canada ARN’s Moderna Volunteer of the Year Award
The RNA Canada Volunteer of the Year Award honours outstanding volunteer service within RNA Canada ARN, promoting engagement and community development.
CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center
Professor, Université de Montréal
Professor, University of Ottawa
Assistant Professor, University of Toronto
Graduate Student, York University
Professor, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, USA
Professor, University of New South Wales, Australia
- Committee Chair:
Martin Simard (CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center) - Senior Investigator Representatives:
Gertraud Burger (Université Montréal), Jocelyn Côté (University of Ottawa) - Early Career Representative:
Haissi Cui (University of Toronto) - Trainee Representative:
Aref Talebi (York University) - International Representatives:
Adrian Krainer (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, USA), John Mattick (University of New South Wales, Australia)
- International Science
and
Industry
Advisory
Committee- John
Mattick
(Chair)U. New South Wales, Australia- Committee
Members- Lorne
BabiukU. Saskatchewan- Nahum
SonenbergMcGill U.
- Cindy
BellFormer Vice President, Genome Canada- Sandra
WolinNIH, USA
- Melanie
Bourassa
ForcierU. Sherbrooke- Keith
WilliamsFirst Nations Technical Institute, Ontario
- Thomas
PreissAustralian National U.