RNA Canada ARN 2024: Day 3!
RNA Canada ARN continued through Day 3 with an outstanding lineup of scientific talks and panel discussions!
The conference jumped immediately into the scientific program with concurrent sessions. The “mRNA translation and the ribosome” session highlighted a number of talks about the dynamics and regulation of translation, specialized and differential translation and new insights into of eukaryotic initiation factors. The “Ribonucleoprotein granules & RNA in motion” session showcased impressive cutting edge microscopy, molecular, and proteomic techniques aimed at understanding the dynamics and functions of various types of RNA condensates. The “RNA biology in disease & untapped fields” featured presentations discussing the importance of RNA biology in ALS, cancer and genetic disorders, as well as insights into new technologies that show promise for addressing human health challenges.
After the conclusion of the concurrent sessions the attendees went into the second poster session, featuring more than 200 posters with more than 180 posters in competition for the conference’s top posters!
The conference then moved into an engaging EDI workshop organized by the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee of RNA Canada ARN and featuring Dr. Imogen Coe (Professor and previously Dean of Science, Toronto Metropolitan University). The workshop included an overview of EDI principles as well as PI and trainee breakout sessions.
The afternoon featured a public session open to journalists and members of the government for the purpose of introducing RNA Canada ARN and the history of RNA research in Canada to the wider community. After an introductory presentation by Dr. Howard Lipshitz (U. of Toronto and Chair of the Board of Directors, RNA Canada ARN), Canada Gairdner award winner Dr. Nahum Sonenberg (McGill) gave a wonderful presentation in which he discussed the power and potential of RNA research and the rich history of contributions that Canada has made to RNA Biology. Much of what was presented by Dr. Sonenberg can be accessed in a recent publication coordinated by RNA Canada ARN!
The public session then continued by an exciting presentation by Dr. John Mattick (UNSW, Sydney) entitled “RNA: the epicenter of genetic information”. The afternoon session concluded with a spectacular presentation in which Nobel prize winner Dr. Tom Cech advocated for the power and potential of RNA to capture the imagination of non-scientists in a talk entitled “RNA: A catalyst for public engagement in science”. Dr. Mattick and Dr. then stayed afterward for signings of their recent books!
Day 3 concluded with three concurrent social panels: One dedicated to meeting those that would benefit from RNA technologies; one dedicated to networking and forming collaborations, and one dedicated to an RNA Canada ARN job fair!
RNA Canada ARN continues to roll along in Day 4! Be sure to visit the membership and outreach tables, and bid on the Design Contest winner before the conference closes!
