The University of Michigan Center for RNA
Biomedicine brings together RNA scientists …
… whose passion and research are
at the frontier of RNA discoveries.
Co-Director
Center for RNA Biomedicine
Mats Ljungman, Ph.D.Co-Director
Center for RNA Biomedicine
Nils Walter, Ph.D.Clinical Director
RNA Therapeutics
Peter Todd, M.D., Ph.D.Director
RNA Therapeutics
Michelle Hastings, Ph.D.
RNA Therapeutics
University of Michigan
Michigan Medicine

The University of Michigan Center for RNA Biomedicine brings together RNA scientists, whose passion and research are at the frontier of RNA discoveries.

About Us

Our vision is to build a synergic community and empower collaborations between RNA researchers to help streamline the discovery of novel, individualized disease targets; and establish a system of in-house RNA production that would enable U-M investigators to produce and screen therapeutics rapidly and cost-effectively.

What is RNA?

What is RNA’s role in the cell and in diseases?

Publications

We are pleased to announce the publication of our third annual magazine and report, RNA Translated. The 2025 issue focuses on the vital role of cross-disciplinary collaboration, bringing together foundational researchers, clinicians and administrators, and supportive centers, institutes and initiatives at the U-M, to unlock mysteries in RNA biology and realize the full potential of RNA therapeutics.

Through exemplary stories of success, we explore breakthroughs ranging from the harnessing of microRNAs in cancer to the role of stress granules in neurodegenerative diseases, single-cell spatial transcriptomics and synergistic small-molecule drug discovery efforts across a range of pathologies.

The last section of the magazine features the main activities of the center for the 2024 calendar year, along with information on how to participate in supporting our mission.

Core Facilities

President Ono Launches the 2024 Symposium

Annual Symposium

The Center for RNA Biomedicine symposia bring together national leaders of the scientific, medical and engineering communities working on recent advances of our understanding of RNA. It provides means of exchanging new ideas across disciplines, spurring new collaborations nationwide, while supporting a rapidly growing RNA community at the University of Michigan.

RNA Innovation Seminar Series

The center offers bi-weekly RNA Innovation Seminars that feature visiting professors, U of M faculty, and students. The seminars cover a broad array of topics about RNA research and its application. In addition to learning about the latest research in the field, it is an opportunity to meet colleagues, network, and foster collaborations.

Become a member

We are a hub for RNA research across a wide range of scientific and medical disciplines at the University of Michigan.

Media

Inaugural Symposium Video Highlights
Who We Are, What We Do and Why
Co-Director Nils Walter on RNA and Life on Earth
On Your Mark, Set… Grant Sprints!

Recent News

Adrien Chauvier, Ph.D., honored with OVPR award for advancing research
News
Adrien Chauvier, Ph.D., honored with OVPR award for advancing research

Congratulations to Adrien Chauvier, Ph.D., one of 12 staff members from across the University of Michigan recognized by the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) for their outstanding service and leadership in advancing research, scholarship and creative practice. Known collectively as The Research Staff Recognition Awards, Chauvier was honored with the Research Associate/Assistant/Technician…

Center for RNA Biomedicine hosts RNA Collaborative Seminar April 9 – Video recording now available!
News
Center for RNA Biomedicine hosts RNA Collaborative Seminar April 9 – Video recording now available!

RNA Collaborative Seminar, Wednesday, April 9 at 4:00 PM ET on Zoom | Click here to see full details on event calendar. Video recording. UPDATE: 4.10.25 There was a fantastic Collaborative Seminar yesterday with talks by Grace McIntyre, Ph.D. Candidate, Michigan Medicine Department of Pathology, and Adrien Chauvier, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Nils Walter Lab University…

RNA Translated 2025 now out in wide release!
News | Publication Highlights
RNA Translated 2025 now out in wide release!

March 21, 2025. ANN ARBOR, Mich. The Center for RNA Biomedicine at the University of Michigan is pleased to announce the publication of our latest issue of RNA Translated. RNA Translated 2025: The Power of Collaborative RNA Science. A convergence of minds and institutional allies at the University of Michigan propels discovery, unlocking new horizons for…