From Bavaria to the world
RNAmed students attended RNA Therapeutics Symposium in Worcester, USA
For thirteen PhD students from the RNAmed program, traveling to Worcester, Massachusetts (USA), was extraordinary in several aspects. It was their first overseas trip as a group and a great adventure.
The destination was the RNA Therapeutics Institute (RTI), which is dedicated to leveraging the strong RNA biology and clinical research communities at UMass Chan Medical School to develop novel therapies for which RNA is the therapeutic target or modality. After a very warm welcome by Chairman Phillip D. Zamore and a joint breakfast, the RTI working groups introduced themselves, including an impressive guided tour through some of their 16 labs. One highlight was definitely the electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) enabling high-resolution three-dimensional reconstructions of biological structures.
The RTI represents a new model for scientific exploration as it brings together researchers studying the fundamental biology and mechanisms of cellular RNAs with those working to devise human therapies. It also organizes an annual conference that showcases academic and commercial advances. This year marked the sixth annual Symposium on “RNA Therapeutics: From Concept to Clinic,” with over 700 participants in person and online. Nobel Laureate Jennifer Doudna (University of California, Berkeley, USA) was the first keynote speaker to take the stage. After her brilliant talk on CRISPR therapies, the RNAmed students had the unique opportunity to chat with her at the conference welcome reception with drinks and snacks. She listened with interest as the students explained their projects, spoke openly about her own research career, and gave practical advice. Many thanks to Jennifer Doudna for spreading passion and inspiration to the next generation of RNA researchers.
The evening ended on a happy note in the center of Worcester with a pub crawl to Wormtown Brewery and Baystate Brewery, where the taproom provided a nice view on the ice rink of the Worcester Ice Arena.
Day two and three of the symposium continued with great presentations, including the second keynote, Tracy Johnson (University of California, Los Angeles, USA), and other scientific sessions highlighting the remarkable breakthroughs in the field of RNA research. Contributing to this research field, RNAmed students presented their own work in poster sessions and had time for networking and fruitful discussions. For the first time, the students were able to communicate the importance of their doctoral program on a wide international stage.
Back at the Bavarian locations, the students are now reflecting on their experiences and already anticipating the next scientific journey.
