RNA Bioengineering and Innovation Network
RNA Innovation is a unique partnership between the University of Lethbridge, Université de Sherbrooke, University of Manitoba and industry collaborators, providing trainees with an exceptional learning experience during their graduate studies program.
This NSERC Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) program aims to produce highly qualified personnel with skills in advanced RNA research, scientific leadership, and industry experience.
Industry Experience
The major advantage of the RNA Innovation program was industry collaborations. Each trainee cohort worked together with an industry partner to solve an R & D problem as part of the deepYellow Challenge. Together the trainees applied their research training, worked as a team, and developed processes and products to solve industrial problems.
Trainees also received funding for on-site industry training and project development through internships provided by the Twinning Program. Participants were matched with a specific internship, received mentorship and personalized networking experiences to help drive their career goals forward.
Professional Skills
In addition to academic and research skills, trainees devloped skills in management, leadership, communication, teaching, integrity and ethics through a series complementary workshops and courses.
Participation in the deepYellow challenge and Scientific leadership events encouraged development of project management and entrepreneurial skills. Additional modules/workshops/seminars included professional communication, integrity & ethics, and leadership with respect to gender and minority representation.
Highly Qualified Personnel
Graduates of the RNA Innovation program are uniquely trained, “job-ready” with knowledge of applied and basic research, and possess a diverse set of leadership skills. This multidisciplinary background makes them ideally suited to careers in a multitude of biotechnology fields.
For more information, email RNA.Innovation@uleth.ca.
Funding provided by NSERC
