RNA@core: “Molecular mechanisms in RNA biology”

RNA@core is a new Doctoral School funded by FWF that focuses on emerging biological and biochemical aspects of RNA molecules, multifunctional players in a living cell. RNA@core builds on a 12-year-long RNA Biology Doctoral School and aims to educate candidate PhD students recruited through the International PhD programs at the Vienna BioCenter and the Medical University of Vienna. Ground-breaking technologies in molecular biology and genetics have recently enabled great mechanistic discoveries and revolutionary therapies with RNA. To maintain this progress, it is imperative to educate the RNA biologists of tomorrow. Therefore, we have created RNA@core to fully equip PhD candidates at theoretical, practical, and communicational levels; we aim to educate PhD candidates to think critically and independently, design experiments and manage their own projects. RNA@core brings together twelve research groups, led by Junior and Senior scientists, to translate excellent research in RNA biochemistry and biology into a cutting-edge PhD training and create a dynamic and interdisciplinary network for the benefit of the students. The curriculum of RNA@core introduces key innovations such as short lab exchanges and professional coaching to learn to present projects conceptually as chalk talks and to deliver classical, slide-based presentations to an international scientific audience. RNA@core will also offer an advanced theoretical course in RNA molecular biology, a structural biology workshop focusing on enzymology in disease, and a series of short workshops dedicated to critical technologies for RNA research. To gain insights into alternatives to academic career paths, RNA@core will provide candidate PhD students with the possibility to enjoy short internships in three RNA-focused companies at the Vienna BioCenter. This initiative will allow PhD candidates to make more informed decisions for their future careers in Academia, Industry, or alternative directions. In summary, the Faculty of RNA@core expects to create a vibrant PhD training program where our students will acquire robust and interdisciplinary knowledge in RNA biology but also in transferable communication skills to tackle any challenge that may arise in their careers.