About TREnD 2026

Toronto RNA Enthusiasts Day (TREnD) is an annual local meeting organized by the The Toronto RNA Club. We are primarily organized by a group of trainees (graduate students and post-docs) and guided by faculty advisors who are interested in establishing a tight-knit local RNA community.

The tenth annual TREnD will encompass two days of RNA-related talks by trainees across multiple model genetic and biochemical systems. This year, we are proud to be a part of the RNA Canada ARN network again, and welcome RNA researchers from across Canada in our second iteration of TREnD & Friends 2026. To showcase our entire Canadian RNA community, TREnD and Friends 2026 will take place virtually on August 20th, featuring talks from trainees in each of Canada’s RNA Clubs and Salons, and in-person at the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning (PGCRL) in Toronto (with virtual options) on August 21st.

RNA is fundamental to nearly all biological processes. RNA contributes to proper organismal development, cellular differentiation, and many diseases, ranging from infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, to cancer, and neuro-developmental disorders. RNA is also a versatile tool in an ever expanding laboratory toolkit and has substantial value in many new types of therapeutic applications (vaccines, treatments for cancer and genetic diseases). Canada has emerged as a global hub for RNA research, and it is a longstanding goal of TREnD to celebrate the work of trainees in this field. TREnD & Friends 2026 is a student-led and trainee-focused event that brings together researchers of every level. Our motto is “by trainees, for trainees!”

Through TREnD & Friends 2026, we aim to provide a lively day of RNA-related discussion across multiple disciplines-genetics, genomics, biochemistry, chemistry, cell biology, and computational disciplines, among others. Our Keynote Speaker is Dr. Britt Glaunsinger. TREnD & Friends 2026 also aims to provide an outstanding networking and scientific forum for our community, focused on fostering new collaborations and career development opportunities for our trainees all across Canada. In support of these goals, we will have virtual talks from trainees at RNA Salons across Canada, in-person talks, and an in-person poster session, as well as a mentoring lunch where trainees can explore career paths and opportunities. In an effort to expand our RNA network beyond the academic realm, we are partnering with RNA Canada ARN to hold a panel discussion with clinicians, patients and families about their experiences surrounding RNA-related diseases and RNA-related therapies. All in all, TREnD & Friends 2026 has so much to offer for everyone. We hope you’ll join us in-person or online for this action-packed symposium!

Help us spread the word by following us on social media with the #TREnD&Friends2026 #TREnDing2026Online!