The UF RNA Genomic Medicine Center
Our investigators study RNA structure, dynamics, processing, localization, and interaction networks, while developing new technologies for RNA mapping, modeling, imaging, and targeting. These efforts are tightly coupled to translational programs in neurological disease, cancer, viral infection, and rare genetic disorders.
Our Mission
Our mission is threefold:
- First, to advance RNA research across the State of Florida by building a coordinated, interdisciplinary network of investigators spanning chemistry, biology, engineering, medicine, and computation.
- Second, to accelerate local translation by converting fundamental discoveries into therapies, diagnostics, and biotechnology platforms developed and deployed in Florida.
- Third, to play a leading role in shaping academic and industrial RNA research globally through high-impact science, workforce development, partnerships, and commercialization.By uniting complementary expertise across campuses, the center enables rapid movement from molecular mechanism to therapeutic application.
A Collaborative Initiative to Advance RNA Science
The UF RNA Genomic Medicine Center is a collaborative initiative linking The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology in Jupiter with the University of Florida in Gainesville to establish Florida as a national and international leader in RNA science, technology, and medicine.
The RNA Center is built on substantial existing infrastructure, technical capabilities, and institutional expertise in RNA biology, chemistry, computation, and clinical translation. Our investigators collectively operate state-of-the-art platforms for RNA structure mapping, long-read sequencing, chemical biology, imaging, proteomics, AI-enabled modeling, and therapeutic development. This foundation enables the Center to support large-scale, multidisciplinary research programs and to serve as a statewide resource for RNA science.
A central mission of the RNA Center is to enable the highest-quality RNA research that is rigorous, quantitative, and reproducible. We emphasize standardized workflows, shared technologies, cross-validation across laboratories, and transparent data practices. This commitment ensures that discoveries made within the Center form a reliable foundation for therapeutic development and clinical translation.
The RNA Center advances RNA medicines across all major modalities, including small molecules, mRNA, siRNA, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), RNA vaccines, and immune-modulating RNA platforms. By integrating mechanistic insight with technology development and translational expertise, we accelerate the movement of RNA discoveries into diverse therapeutic formats.
Strategic Pillars
1. RNA Discovery and Mechanisms
We define how RNA structure, modification, and interaction networks control biological function and disease. This pillar integrates structural biology, biophysics, genomics, and molecular biology to establish foundational principles of RNA regulation.
2. Technology and Platform Development
We create next-generation tools for RNA analysis and manipulation, including long-read sequencing, chemical mapping, imaging, proteomics, AI-enabled modeling, and structure-based design platforms.
3. Therapeutic Innovation Across Modalities
We develop RNA-targeted small molecules, oligonucleotides, mRNA therapeutics, vaccines, and immune-modulating strategies, with emphasis on precision medicine and difficult-to-treat diseases.
4. Clinical Translation and Commercialization
We advance discoveries into clinical trials, startups, and industry partnerships, supported by regulatory expertise, IP development, and translational infrastructure.
5. Training and Workforce Development
We educate the next generation of RNA scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs through interdisciplinary training, shared resources, and industry engagement.
Impact and Vision
The UF RNA Genomic Medicine Center serves as a hub for RNA research in Florida and a gateway to global leadership in RNA-based medicine. By combining deep infrastructure, rigorous scientific standards, and translational capability within a unified framework, the Center shortens the path from discovery to patient impact.
Our long-term vision is to establish Florida as a premier destination for RNA research and innovation, to deliver transformative therapies across multiple RNA modalities, and to influence the direction of academic and industrial RNA science worldwide.
Through strategic partnerships, sustained investment, and scientific excellence, the Center will define the future of RNA medicine.
Explore the RNA Center
Technology Shared infrastructure across the University of Florida supports rigorous research.
Members View the RNA Center’s faculty members from across the University of Florida.
Research See a selection of the RNA Center members’ recent discoveries here.
Education and Training The RNA Center is committed to providing outstanding learning opportunities for aspiring scientists.
Support RNA Research Discoveries are within reach, and your donation could make the difference.