Nominee, RNA Canada Board of Directors: Pascale Legault

Pascale Legault is currently Professor and Chair of the Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine Department at the University of Montréal (UdeM) and holds the UdeM Bristol-Myers Squibb Research Chair. She received her PhD in Chemistry from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1995 and completed her post-doctoral studies at the University of Toronto in 1998. She started her academic career in 2003 at the University of Georgia in Athens, GA and after 5 years, moved to the University of Montreal. She has received several awards as a trainee as well as a faculty member, including a Canada Research Chair in Structural Biology of RNA. The focus of the research in Dr. Legault’s laboratory is to address one of the key challenges of current biomedical sciences, which is to better understand the relationship between RNA structure and function as needed to exploit the potential of RNA for nanotechnology and biomedical applications. Two main research axes in the general area of integrative structural biology are currently being pursued: 1) Structural, functional, and engineering studies of functional RNAs, including ribozymes and RNA viruses; 2) Functional and structural studies of the maturation of miRNAs associated with cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

I am excited to express my strong interest in becoming an elected member of the Board of Directors of RNA Canada ARN. I have been fortunate to witness the birth and evolution of the organization from its very beginning as Coordinator of the Advocacy Committee (2021-22) and as elected member of the executive committee (2022-23). I would be excited about the opportunity to contribute to the organization’s continued success and growth. Throughout my scientific career, I have always been passionate about RNA research and innovation. I have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence, strategic thinking, and ethical leadership. I have a proven track record of successfully leading teams and organizations through periods of growth and transformation, including in my current role as departmental chair. I hold a strong conviction regarding the significance of a cohesive and collaborative RNA community to advance RNA research and drive innovation from coast to coast in Canada. My qualifications are further complemented by my dedication to upholding the highest standards of governance and adopting a collaborative approach that prioritizes mutual respect and inclusivity. I am eager to leverage my skills and experience to guide the organization to greater success and impact.