Hello VRC enthusiasts!

We hope this message finds you well as we embark on an exciting new year. The Vancouver RNA Club (VRC) is delighted to announce several significant updates to our schedule and event formats, commencing in March 2025.​

New Meeting Schedule:

Starting March 2025, our sessions will convene five times annually, each on the third Monday of the designated months:​

• March 17, 2025​

• May 12, 2025 (adjusted to avoid Victoria Day on May 19)​

• September 15, 2025​

• November 17, 2025​

• January 19, 2026​

This consistent scheduling aims to facilitate better planning and participation.​

Talk Format:

We are introducing a refined structure for our main presentations:​

• Duration: 20 minutes total, comprising a 15-minute talk followed by a 5-minute Q&A session.​

This format ensures concise and engaging presentations, allowing ample time for audience interaction.​

Flash Talks Opportunity:

Post main presentations, we invite each participating lab to deliver brief, 3-minute flash talks. These sessions are ideal for showcasing recent findings, particularly by junior trainees and undergraduates. Labs interested in presenting are encouraged to express their interest via email at their earliest convenience.​

Sponsor Talks:

We are excited to introduce Sponsor Talks to our Vancouver RNA Club (VRC) sessions. These 15-minute presentations, followed by a Q&A session, provide our sponsors with the opportunity to share their latest innovations and insights with the VRC community. This initiative not only enriches our sessions but also strengthens the collaboration between our members and industry partners.

Best Trainee Talk Awards:

To recognize and encourage excellence among our trainees, we are launching the "Best Talk of the Year" awards for the period March 2025 to January 2026:​

• Three Awards: Each valued at $500.​

These awards, adjudicated by organizers and participant votes (potentially via platforms like Whova), will serve as travel grants for scientific conferences.​

Special November Session:

Our November session will feature a combined event of flash talks and a poster session:​

• Format: 10-15 three-minute flash talks, each accompanied by a poster presentation.​

• Awards:

  • Best Flash Talk/Poster: $300​

  • Second Place: $200​

  • Third Place: $100​

Raffle During Networking Sessions:

To enhance our networking sessions, we will conduct raffles during the social segments of each VRC event. Prizes will include 2-3 gift cards, each valued between $25 and $50, to encourage participation and engagement.​

Acknowledging Our Sponsors:

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous sponsors:​

• NanoVation Therapeutics​

• RNA Society

• Lexogen GmbH

• Genevant Sciences​

• Acuitas Therapeutics​

• New England Biolabs​

• UBC Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology​

• SFU Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry​

We believe these enhancements will significantly enrich our club sessions, fostering greater engagement and collaboration. Your active participation and feedback are invaluable as we continue to evolve the VRC.​

Looking forward to another year of groundbreaking RNA research and vibrant collaboration!​

Warm regards,

VRC Student Organizers:

• Iris Shen​

• Katie Danielson​

• Subash Chapagain​

• Unnati Yagnik​

• Yilin Liu​

VRC Principal Investigator Organizers:

• Anna Blakney​

• Ethan Greenblatt​

• Eric Jan