RNA INNOVATION PROGRAM
In a true success story demonstrating the power of industry-academic collaboration, researchers at the Universities of Lethbridge and Sherbrooke partnered with NSERC and a group of private sector companies to develop the RNA INNOVATION training program for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
RNA Innovation is a research training program that provides real-world, hands-on experience in an industry setting. In addition to academic and research skills, trainees develop “soft” skills in management, leadership, communication, teaching, research and business integrity and ethics through additional workshops and courses.
Trainees gain industry experience through two key components, (1) an entrepreneurial research and development challenge (the deepYellow Challenge), and (2) an extensive internship program (the Twinning Program). In the deepYellow Challenge, trainees will collaborate as a team to solve a complex scientific problem proposed by the program’s industry partners. Through the Twinning Program, all trainees will be matched with a specific industry internship, providing students with mentorship and a personalized networking experience.
Trainees from this program emerge as highly skilled scientists who are uniquely prepared to launch their careers in industry settings.
​RNA Canada ARN aims to use the RNA Innovation program as a model for developing academic-industry training opportunities in the future. This type of tailored training program will better equip the next generation of RNA researchers with the skills to successfully launch their research careers.
