RNA Canada ARN Awards Announcement
RNA Canada ARN is pleased to invite nominations for three awards to be made in 2025
Nomination packages are due Friday, May 30th, 2025!
(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.
The awardee(s) will receive a cash prize of $7,000 and an engraved commemorative plaque.
- The nominee(s) must be RNA researcher(s) based in Canada or Canadian researcher(s) based outside of Canada.
- Key criteria are innovation, impact, and relevance to the field of RNA research.
Nomination Process:
Both self-nominations and nominations by others are welcome. Nominations must include (1) a brief statement explaining how the nominee’s/nominees’ research has been groundbreaking; (2) the nominee’s/nominees’ complete CV; and (3) two confidential letters of support recognizing the importance of the discovery. Please submit your nomination package at the Discovery of the Year nomination website (click here).
(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.
The awardee will receive a cash prize of $2,000 and an engraved commemorative plaque.
- The nominee must be an RNA researcher based in Canada or a Canadian researcher based outside of Canada.
- Key criteria are the originality, quality, and significance of contributions to RNA research, as well as potential for future impact.
Nomination Process:
Nominations can be made by the trainee’s supervisors or colleagues. Nominations must include (1) a brief statement explaining the significance of the nominee’s research; (2) the nominee’s complete CV; and (3) two confidential letters of support recognizing the originality, significance and future potential of the nominee’s research. Please submit your nomination package at the Trainee of the Year nomination website (click here).
(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.
The awardee will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and an engraved commemorative plaque.
- The nominee must be a current member of the RNA Canada ARN.
- Key criteria are dedication, leadership, and measurable impact on RNA Canada ARN’s mission.
Nomination Process:
Nominations can be made by any RNA Canada ARN member. Nominations must include (1) a brief statement explaining how the nominee’s exceptional service has fostered engagement and community building within the Canadian RNA community; (2) the nominee’s complete CV; and (3) two confidential letters of support recognizing the importance of the nominee’s volunteer work for the Canadian RNA community. Please submit your nomination package at the Volunteer of the Year nomination website (click here).
*Per the Terms of Reference, the 2025 RNA Canada ARN Awards Committee is as follows:
- RNA Canada ARN Board Member who serves as Committee Chair: Martin Simard (CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center)
- Senior Investigators affiliated with RNA Canada ARN: Gertraud Burger (Université Montréal), Jocelyn Côté (University of Ottawa)
- Early Career Researcher affiliated with RNA Canada ARN: Haissi Cui (University of Toronto)
- Trainee who is a member of RNA Canada ARN: Aref Talebi (York University)
- Two International Members: Adrian Krainer (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, USA), John Mattick (University of New South Wales, Australia)
