Nominee: Thomas Duchaine
Professor & Chair, Dept. of Biochemistry. McGill University
Brief Biosketch provided for the nominee:
Dr. Duchaine is Professor and Chair of the Department of Biochemistry at McGill University. For more than 28 years, his research elucidated the genetic and molecular basis for the functions of mRNAs and non-coding RNAs in the control of gene expression across a diversity of physiological contexts and in cancer. A renown expert on mRNA biochemistry and molecular genetics, his research program currently details how 3’-untranslated regions of mRNAs, and their interacting co-factors dictate mRNA translation, stability, and decay. He mentored more than 40 trainees over the years, most of which later led careers as independent researchers or scientists in academia, as clinicians, and in RNA-related careers in industry. In most recent years, Dr. Duchaine lead initiatives to translate deep expertise on RNA at McGill toward industry and clinical applications, among others by founding McGill Centre for RNA Sciences (MCRS), which he currently directs.
Justification provided for the nominee:
Dr Duchaine is a researcher, educator and leader interested in better supporting RNA discovery research, in knowledge translation towards RNA technologies and therapeutics, in public outreach, and in paving the way for the next generation of scientists towards the diverse careers that are emerging with the ongoing RNA revolution.
Select Experience and Qualifications
-Chair, Dept. Biochemistry, McGill University (June 2023 – now).
-Executive, Research Steering Committee, D2R: An inclusive Canadian approach to RNA therapeutics (March 2023- now).
-Director & co-founder, McGill Centre for RNA Sciences (August 2022 – now).
-Associate Director, Goodman Cancer Institute (2018-2023).
-Consultant on RNA & RNA therapeutic modalities; Moderna (Canada), for provincial pharmacists’ professional associations (APPSQ, AQPP), and for the CQDM biopharmaceutical research consortium (Since 2022).
-Main organizer RNA & Future of Medicine; Gairdner-foundation funded meeting. June 2023.
-Main organizer, or co-organizer of 8 RNA-themed meetings at the Bellairs Institute, Barbados 2012- 2023.
– Main organizer & moderator. Public Forums of the Goodman Cancer Institute. September 2018-2022.