School of Medicine establishes the Center on RNA Science and Therapeutics
Source: UCI School of Medicine
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Michael J. Stamos, MD, dean of the UC Irvine School of Medicine, recently announced the establishment of the Center on RNA Science and Therapeutics (CRST) within the School of Medicine. This new center will focus on enhancing RNA research collaborations, developing innovative technology and facilitating the translation of basic RNA research into therapies.
The center brings together UC Irvine faculty members from the schools of medicine, biological sciences, engineering and pharmaceutical sciences. Together, they will work to address important scientific challenges while establishing UC Irvine as a leading institution in RNA research. CRST will also provide valuable collaborative opportunities with the Adeline Yen Mah Vaccine Center, particularly in making lipid nanoparticle science more accessible at UC Irvine.
The four main objectives of CRST include:
- Supporting new and established collaborations focused on multiple aspects of RNA biology and human diseases.
- Hiring new faculty in strategic areas of RNA research that will strengthen the center.
- Developing a core facility with state-of-the-art equipment and services for RNA biologists.
- Organizing symposiums, research-in-progress meetings and collaborative activities that showcase UC Irvine as a major center for RNA research.
The center will be led by Yongsheng Shi, PhD, professor and Chancellor's Fellow in the Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics.