International Symposium on RNA Science and Therapeutic Innovation
The International Symposium on RNA Science and Therapeutic Innovation brings together world-leading investigators in RNA biology, epitranscriptomics, RNA chemistry, technology development, and translational medicine to explore the frontiers of RNA science and accelerate the development of RNA-based therapeutics. Co-chaired by Drs. Jianjun Chen and Chuan He and hosted by the City of Hope Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, the symposium serves as a premier international forum for scientific exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the dissemination of transformative discoveries that are reshaping the future of medicine.
The inaugural event will feature internationally renowned scientists from leading institutions across Belgium, Canada, China, Germany, South Korea, and the United States, offering a unique opportunity to explore the latest breakthroughs in RNA biology, epitranscriptomics, cancer research, gene editing, RNA therapeutics, and precision medicine. We also have the honor of welcoming distinguished editors from leading scientific journals, reflecting our commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue between editors and investigators, advancing excellence in scientific communication, and accelerating the dissemination of transformative discoveries in RNA biology and RNA therapeutics.
Through keynote lectures, cutting-edge scientific presentations, interactive discussions, poster sessions, and networking opportunities, the symposium will foster new collaborations and accelerate the translation of RNA discoveries into innovative therapies for cancer, immune disorders, metabolic diseases, neurological disorders, and beyond.
We are pleased to invite abstract submissions for the 2027 International Symposium on RNA Science & Therapeutic Innovation.
January 15-16, 2027
Embassy Suites by Hilton Arcadia
211 East Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91006
Scientific Focus
- RNA modifications and epitranscriptomics
- RNA processing, stability, and translation
- RNA structure, chemistry, and enzymology
- Chromatin-associated RNAs and transcriptional regulation
- tRNA, snoRNA, circular RNA, and long non-coding RNA biology
- RNA regulation in cancer initiation and progression
- RNA control of immune cell development and function
- Tumor microenvironment and immune evasion
- RNA mechanisms in metabolic, neurological, and genetic diseases
- RNA modification mapping and profiling technologies
- Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics
- Functional genomics and multi-omics approaches
- Computational and AI-enabled RNA biology
- mRNA therapeutics and vaccines
- Circular RNA and RNA aptamer therapeutics
- siRNA, ASO, saRNA, and oligonucleotide-based therapies
- RNA-targeting small molecules
- Lipid nanoparticle and nonviral delivery technologies
Symposium Chairs
Jianjun Chen, Ph.D., Simms/Mann Family Foundation Chair in Systems Biology, Professor and Chair, Department of Systems Biology, Professor and Director, Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, City of Hope
John T. Wilson Distinguished Service Professor and Chair, Department of Chemistry, University of Chicago
Honorary Chairs
John Rossi, Ph.D., the Lidow Family Research Chair and professor of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, is widely regarded as a world leader in the development of RNA interference and in clinical research involving nucleic acids for the treatment of various diseases.
Committee Members
Zhen Bouman Chen, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Diabetes Complications & Metabolism at Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope in Duarte, California.
Xiaolan Deng, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Systems Biology at City of Hope.
Marcin Kortylewski, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Immuno-Oncology, focuses on cancer immunotherapy.
Rama Natarajan is the National Business Products Industry Endowed Chair in Diabetes Research, professor and chair in the Department of Diabetes Complications & Metabolism at City of Hope.
Zhijian Qian, Ph.D., joined the Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope as a professor and vice chair of the Department of Systems Biology in August 2025. Before that, he had been serving as a tenured professor of medicine at the University of Florida, where he held the Pierre Chagnon
Steven T. Rosen, M.D., is a professor, Division of Lymphoma, Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, and executive vice president and director emeritus, Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope.
Disease modeling and therapeutic development for neurological diseases and cancer.
Keynote Speakers
Distinguished Journal Editors Program
The Distinguished Journal Editors Program creates unique opportunities for scientific exchange and networking among editors, established investigators, and emerging leaders in the RNA community. The program will also feature “From Discovery to Publication: A Conversation with Distinguished Journal Editors”, a special forum exploring emerging scientific directions, evolving trends in scholarly publishing, research rigor and integrity, and perspectives on communicating high-impact discoveries.
Participating Editors
Di Jiang, Ph.D.
Senior Editor, Science
Steve Mao, Ph.D.
Editor-in-Chief, Cancer Cell
Barbara Cheifet, Ph.D.
Chief Editor, Nature Biotechnology
Sabrya Carim, Ph.D.
Senior Editor, Nature Cell Biology
Additional Distinguished Journal Editors will be announced.
Program and Agenda
Day 1: RNA Biology, Mechanisms, and Emerging Technologies
Opening remarks by symposium co-chairs, keynote lecture, sessions on RNA biology, epitranscriptomics, circular RNAs, chromatin-associated RNAs, and spatial RNA technologies.
Day 2: RNA in Disease, Therapeutics, and Translation
Keynote lecture, sessions on RNA in cancer and immunity, RNA therapeutics, delivery technologies, translational innovation, poster presentations, Distinguished Journal Editors Program, Industry Perspectives, and closing panel discussion.
We welcome abstracts describing original and innovative research spanning basic, translational, and therapeutic RNA science.
Join Us
Accommodations, Local Services and Attractions Near City of Hope’s Los Angeles Locations
If you are traveling from out of town, we recommend that you plan your overnight stays as soon as possible.