Join us in a one-day event dedicated to advancing RNA research and awareness in New Zealand.
The event coincides with the availability of our international Science Advisory and Steering Group members, providing a fantastic opportunity for engagement and knowledge-sharing. The enthusiasm and turnout for this event reaffirm the growing interest and importance of RNA research in New Zealand and beyond.
Chantal Pichon leads research at the interface of chemistry and biology. Her work focuses on nucleic acids as therapeutics, with particular expertise in optimising delivery systems and developing mRNA-based cancer vaccines. Her team also explores biomarkers and treatments for cancer, skin disorders, and aging, pioneering innovative strategies to advance gene-based medicine.
Archa Fox is a Professor in the Schools of Human and Molecular Sciences at the University of Western Australia and an affiliate investigator at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. Her research focuses on paraspeckles as a model for gene regulation, particularly the roles of long noncoding RNAs and protein aggregation, working collaboratively to study their structure and function.
Mark Smales is a Principal Investigator at NIBRT and Director of the Industrial Biotechnology Centre at the University of Kent. His research focuses on advancing the design and manufacture of biotherapeutics, gene therapies, and RNA-based treatments, with expertise in optimising protein yield and quality, re-tuning cell processes via synthetic biology, and developing extracellular vesicle applications and diagnostics.
Pall Thordarson is the Director of the UNSW RNA Research Institute. His research is in bio-mimetic chemistry, with a focus on nanomedicine, supramolecular chemistry, and biophysical chemistry. His team combines synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry, bioconjugation, and cellular biology to design and evaluate novel systems. They employ a range of analytical approaches, including spectroscopic techniques (UV, fluorescence, NMR) and microscopy methods (AFM, STM, TEM), to characterise and understand the behaviour of these systems, advancing strategies for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
Obadiah Plante is a scientist and biotech executive with expertise in immunotherapy and vaccine development. He has contributed to the development of antibody-antimicrobial peptide conjugates targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa and has been involved in the development of gonococcal vaccines. He has also been affiliated with Moderna Therapeutics. Obadiah is a member of the steering group for the RNA Platform at the Ferrier Research Institute .
Tom Hills is a Clinical Immunologist and Infectious Disease Physician at Auckland City Hospital (Te Toka Tumai). He holds an MB ChB from the University of Otago (2009) and became a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) in 2021. Dr. Hills specialises in diagnosing and managing a wide range of immune system disorders, including allergies, immune deficiencies, and autoimmune conditions. He is part of the Clinical Immunology and Allergy service, a tertiary referral centre for allergy and immune diseases, and also contributes to the Infectious Diseases service at Auckland City Hospital.
| Time | Topic | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 9–9.10 am | RNA Platform to date | Gary Evans, Kjesten Wiig, (RNA Platform) |
| 9.10–9.30 am | Biologics Innovation Facility (BIF) and training programmes | A/Prof. Andrew Care, University of Technology Sydney (UTS) |
| 9.30–9.55 am | Update from the Central Production Facility team | Jochem Vink, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research |
| 10–10.25 am | mRNA biomanufacturing in focus— Overcoming challenges, driving innovation | Prof Chantal Pichon, Université d'Orléans |
| 10.30–11 am | Morning tea |
| Time | Topic | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 11–11.30 am | Next generation mRNA therapies | Prof Archa Fox, UWA Medical School |
| 11.35–11.50 am | Platform trials | Dr Tom Hills (ADHB) |
| 11.55–12.10 pm | Genomics Aotearoa 2.0 | Prof. Peter Dearden, University of Otago |
| 12.10–12.30 pm | mRNA therapies in oncology | Dr Sarah Herridge, BioNTech |
| 12.30–1.30 pm | Lunch |
| Time | Topic | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 1.30–1.45 pm | Pilar intro and welcome for Mark | Will Kelton, University of Waikato |
| 1.45–2.15 pm | Design of mRNAs to ensure maximum product activity and minimum off-target product(s) from reduced dose | Mark Smales, University of Kent |
| 2.15–2.35 pm | Science and design for nucleic acid-based vaccine and adjuvant | Prof. Ken Ishii, UTOPIA |
| 2.35–3 pm | Flagship presentation (Universal flu vaccine, Staph Vaccine) | Dr Lisa Connor, Dr. Fiona Radcliff |
| 3–3.30 pm | Afternoon tea |
| Time | Topic | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 3.30–4.05 pm | US Biotech and RNA environment | Dr Obadiah Plante, Kinvard Bio |
| 4.05–4.20 pm | mRNA stability versus RNA stability | Associate Professor Paul Gardner, University of Otago |
| 4.20–4.35 pm | QC advancements in RNA environment | Dr Susanna Chan, Ferrier Research Institute |
| 4.35–5 pm | Trials and triumphs in advancing and scaling up vaccines and other RNA therapeutic development | Prof Pall Thordarson, Debbie Burnett UNSW RNA Institute |
| 5.30–6.30 pm | Networking—drinks and nibbles | Pullman hotel |
Please contact Katy Kelly, the symposium organiser, with any questions.
Read about the first RNA Symposium in Wellington, showcasing the growing interest in RNA research.
