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The RNA Institute

Training the next generation of RNA researchers in basic and translational science.

About The RNA Institute
Research and Labs
RNA Training Programs
Faculty and Staff
Diversity & Inclusivity
Facilities
Partnerships
Events and Awards
The RNA Institute

The RNA Institute brings together leading researchers from higher education, industry, and other institutions and offers advanced instrumentation facilities for RNA research that are critical to new frontiers in human health. The Institute develops and delivers tools, analytics, and early stage discoveries necessary for the progression of RNA-based therapeutics and diagnostics. 

Our priority is to advance RNA research while training the next generation of RNA scientists, which includes our commitment to increasing the number of individuals from under-represented groups at The RNA Institute and in STEM.

 

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New Frontiers to Health

Scientists can identify the origins of diseases by studying how RNA turns genes on and off, potentially leading to innovative disease treatments and possible cures.

UAlbany Infographic: The Promise and Potential of RNA
Biological Science grad student Marissa Louis in RNA lab
Unique RNA Research Opportunities

The RNA Institute offers unique opportunities to researchers and trainees for collaboration and interdisciplinary research. We have more than 50 faculty working to understand the role of RNA in fundamental biological processes, developing RNA as a tool for science and harnessing this knowledge to improve human health. 

The RNA Institute is more than just a modern research facility. We are a collection of diverse and talented researchers and laboratories united by a common goal in understanding the role of RNA across different fields, including biology, chemistry, biomedical sciences, physics, and nanobiosciences. RNA forms the basis of our research, it is the common element that we study, build, modify and analyze as well as the building blocks that we use to construct tools, reporters, and therapies.

RNA Training

Our RNA Training Programs provide a multi-disciplinary curriculum with a focus on RNA and its health-related benefits. We develop our future science leaders by providing trainees from high school to post-doc students and beyond with comprehensive access to faculty, techniques, and collaborations within Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, and Nanobiosciences. Our training includes the Doctoral RNA Training Program and the Undergraduate Summer Fellowship.
 

Ken Halvorsen and student researcher of the RNA Institute
Supporting Diversity and Inclusivity in STEM

One of The RNA Institute's strengths is the diversity of our faculty's research and range of disciplines. However, the diversity of our faculty and trainees lags behind the University at Albany's undergraduate population and surrounding communities. In line with UAlbany's mission to ensure that diversity, in its people and in its ideas, drives excellence in everything that it does, the Institute launched a multi-pronged approach to increase diversity and support inclusivity at the Institute and across STEM disciplines.
 

The RNA Institute hosted its inaugural RNA Day, inviting local students from the New York State’s Science Technology Entry Program (STEP) and Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region
The RNA Institute News
A black and white mosquito shown on a bright green background
RNA Institute Study Explores Cellular Response to Zika Virus Infection
In a new study published in the Journal of Virology, University at Albany researchers investigated how the human body fights off Zika virus at the cellular level. Their findings illuminate new potential intervention points for therapeutics against Zika, as well as other RNA viruses.
A man wearing khaki pants and a plaid button down shirt stands, smiling, in a brightly lit lab next to a DNA/RNA sequencing machine. The machine consists of two large metal cube-shaped containers with bottled of clear liquid on top of one, and a digital panel on the other.
UAlbany Chemist Receives Federal Support to Advance Tool for Complete RNA Sequencing
Shenglong Zhang, associate professor of Chemistry, received two Small Business Technology Transfer grants from the National Institutes of Health. The grants were jointly awarded to the University and UAlbany spinoff company DirectSeq Biosciences, Inc., which Zhang directs as founder and president. 
Group of seven individuals standing in front of University at Albany and AI logos, smiling in a conference room setting.
UAlbany Unveils Powerful New AI Supercomputer
The new $16.5M supercomputer is a central pillar in UAlbany’s AI Plus initiative — a holistic push to integrate teaching and learning about AI across every college, school and major to ensure every graduate is prepared to live and work in a world radically changed by technology.
Leaders from UAlbany and the Leibniz Institute stand in front of a projection screen with the CEBAI logo on it.
UAlbany, Leibniz Institute Partner to Launch Center for Biophotonic Technology and Artificial Intelligence
Based at UAlbany’s Life Sciences Research Building, the joint center will be equipped with novel instrumentation from the Leibniz Institute and set up new pathways for collaborative research opportunities.
A student participates in the quick pitch competition during the 2023 R&E Week activities at UAlbany.
UAlbany Hosts 2nd Annual Research & Entrepreneurship Week
Artificial Intelligence, climate science, research excellence and fostering inventions are just some of the topics in store for the second annual Research and Entrepreneurship Week, Oct. 21-24 at ETEC building.

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The RNA Institute, College of Arts and Sciences
Life Sciences 2033

1400 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12222
United States

Email
[email protected]
Phone
518-437-4443
Fax
518-437-4456
Office Hours

On Site & By Phone: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Twitter: @TheRNAInstitute

RNA Institute logo, College of Arts and Sciences