Days
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NIRBA is Singapore’s strategic national effort to build globally leading capabilities in RNA biology, driving innovation and applications that address critical health challenges. Supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and partner institutions, National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), NIRBA is poised to transform Singapore into a global hub for RNA research and its wide-ranging applications to further our understanding of RNA biology, create advancements in research and innovative application.

The core objective of the conference is to bring together distinguished RNA researchers with complementary knowledge and expertise for the exchange of ideas and information, with the main themes being:

– Advances in fundamental RNA biology and applications

– RNA biology and disease relevance

– Technology and method development

– RNA therapeutics and translational science

NIRBA welcomes you to our inaugural RNA Science Conference.

 We invite scientists, doctors, students and other delegates engaging in research related to RNA Science to join us.

We bring together distinguished researchers with complementary knowledge and expertise from across the globe for the exchange of ideas and information.

Join us for a time of dynamic interactions and the opportunity to learn from leading RNA experts.

Keynote Speakers

Anna Pyle

Yale School of Medicine

US

Anne Willis

University of Cambridge

UK

Speakers

Polly Leilei CHEN
Cancer Science Institute of Singapore
SG
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Mike CLARK
The University of Melbourne
AU
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Hasindu GAMAARACHCHI
University of New South Wales Sydney
AU
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Chun Kit KWOK
City University of Hong Kong
CN
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Seungjae LEE
Sloan Kettering Institute
US
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PHAN Anh Tuan
Nanyang Technological University
SG
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Silvi ROUSKIN
Harvard Medical School
US
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Mile Šikić
A*STAR Genome Institute of Singapore
SG
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Yue WAN
A*STAR Genome Institute of Singapore
SG
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Zefeng WANG
Southern University of Science and Technology
CN
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Jiangbo WEI
Cancer Science Institute of Singapore
SG
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Vihandha WICKRAMASINGHE
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
AU
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Kaiming ZHANG
University of Science and Technology of China
CN
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Yang ZHANG
Cancer Science Institute of Singapore
SG
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Yilong ZHOU
Cancer Science Institute of Singapore
SG
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Scientific Advisory Committee

Michael B. YAFFE
David H. Koch Professor of Science & Professor of Biology and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Director MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
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Xiang-Dong FU
Chair Professor in RNA Biology and Regenerative Medicine Westlake University (WU)
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Lynne E. MAQUAT
J. Lowell Orbison Endowed Chair & Professor Departments of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Oncology, and Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC)
Director Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to Therapeutics, University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC)
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Gene W. YEO
Sanford Stem Cell Institute Endowed Chair University of California San Diego (UC San Diego)
Professor Dept of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego (UC San Diego)
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Organising Committee

Ashok VENKITARAMAN
Executive Director
National Initiative for RNA Biology & its Applications
(NIRBA)
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Polly Leilei CHEN
Deputy Director
Cancer Science Institute of Singapore
(CSI Singapore)
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Jonathan GÖKE
Assistant Director & Group Leader
A*STAR Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS)
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Dahai LUO
Associate Professor
Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
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Yue WAN
Executive Director
A*STAR Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS)
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Venue

National Gallery Singapore

1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957

Registration

This is an on-site conference with registration fee of SGD 100 (before 9% GST).

  1. Please note that entry to the conference is strictly by registration only.
  2. Please note that entry to a single talk on a complimentary basis is STRICTLY not allowed.
  3. Registrations will allow admission to all scientific sessions, poster sessions, exhibition booths and lunch receptions.
  4. Please collect your conference badges at the registration counter upon arrival at venue
  5. All registered participants are requested to display the conference badge visibly at all times during the conference for identification.
  6. Registration passes are strictly not transferable.
  7. Unutilized registrations are strictly non-refundable.
  8. If a registered delegate has left the organization, the registration MUST BE cancelled; replacements are not allowed. The cancellation and refund policy applies.
  9. For those registering via WBS (only applicable to NUS and Duke-NUS delegates), please register latest by 11 October 2026, 23 59 SGT. Afterwhich, payment has to be made upfront upon registration.
  10. For all registrations, cancellations must be made latest by 4 October 2026, 23 59 SGT. Cancellations are strictly not allowed after the above date.
  1. Payments are debited to ‘National University of Singapore’.
  2. Payments must be made online via a credit card at the point of online registration.
  3. All Registration Fees are subject to prevailing GST
  4. NIRBA RNA Science Conference accepts the following credit cards:
    • American Express
    • MasterCard
    • Visa
  1. After completing the registration form, you will be prompted to make payment online via a credit card.
  2. In the event your payment fails, please kindly arrange for payment via another credit card.
  3. After completing the online payment, you will receive an acknowledgment for your registration and payment. However, please note that registrations are not confirmed until funds are received.
  4. Please allow 7 working days for the updating of your payment in our records.
  5. Once payments have been received, a confirmation email will be sent to you informing that your registrations are confirmed.
  6. For your records, please print a copy of the confirmation email.

Click here to register.

NIRBA-RNA Salon Early Career Award 2026

As part of the NIRBA RNA Science Conference 2026, the NIRBA-RNA Salon Early-Career Award will be presented to rising stars in RNA biology and its application within the local RNA research community.

This award recognises emerging researchers whose innovative and impactful work is advancing our understanding of RNA biology and driving new applications in the field. Award recipients will receive a certificate and a prize. They will also be required to present their work in person at the NIRBA RNA Science Conference 2026, to be held on 22–23 October 2026. Each awardee will deliver an on-site Early-Career Researcher Talk, with a 20-minute presentation slot (15-minute talk + 5-minute Q&A) to showcase their research to the conference audience.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

1. Be a locally trained PhD student or postdoctoral researcher who is, at the time of application, either studying at or working in a local university or recognised research institution, respectively. For postdoctoral researchers, the PhD must have been obtained within the last 4 years at the time of application. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

2. Be currently working in the field of RNA biology, with research aligned to one or more of the following themes:

  • Advances in Fundamental RNA Biology and Applications
  • RNA Codes in Space, Structure, and Disease
  • RNA Technology and Method Development
  • RNA Therapeutics and Translational Science

3. Demonstrate an excellent track record of research achievement.

Please submit the completed application form, together with all supporting documents, as a single PDF file to admin@nirba.sg and address it to NIRBA RNA Science Conference Secretariat. Please refer to the application form for the full list of required supporting documents. Please click here to download the application form.

To ensure proper processing of your submission, please use the following email subject line:
NIRBA Conference 2026 – NIRBA-RNA Salon Early Career Award Application. For enquiries regarding the application, please email admin@nirba.sg and address it to NIRBA RNA Science Conference Secretariat.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Abstract Submission

  1. Abstracts are limited to a total maximum of 300 words, excluding authors’ affiliations.
  2. All abstract titles should be in Title Caps.
  3. Please submit your abstracts as an attachment in MS Word Format.
  4. Authors’ affiliations should be submitted in the following sample format:
    Peter Tan1,21NIRBA, 2Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore
  5. Please avoid adding graphics, charts or photographs in your abstracts; they should only be included in your poster.
  6. Please ensure that all special characters / symbols and formatting are properly displayed in your submission.
  7. Please refer to the Abstract Template provided.
  8. Please note that selected abstracts may be included in the E-program/abstract booklet that participants will receive upon registration.
  9. Deadline for Submission for Oral and Poster Presentation: 9 August 2026
  10. Please indicate your interest in either the oral and/or poster presentation categories which you are submitting for. Successful Oral Presenters will be able to present their work during the NIRBA RNA Science Conference 2026’s programme.
  11. Results for Oral Presentation abstracts will be announced at least 3 weeks before the conference.

 

  1. Abstract submissions are free.
  2. All abstracts submitted must represent scientific research relevant to the studies of RNA science research.
  3. Authors submitting abstracts are responsible for ensuring that all authors listed on the abstract have been notified of the submission.
  4. Abstracts must be submitted by the presenting author.
  5. Preliminary Selection: All abstracts received will be assessed by the appointed panel of Poster Judges, who are authorized to decide if an abstract shall be accepted to participate in the NIRBA RNA Science Conference 2026 Posters Presentation or Oral Presentation.
  6. Only shortlisted abstracts will be notified about the acceptance via email.
  7. Please ensure that the abstracts you have submitted are accurate; no revisions can be made after the abstract has been submitted.
  8. Submission of your abstract/s implies that you have read, understood and comply with the Terms and Conditions as outlined.
  9. Participants of the Posters Presentations should print a physical poster that is A1-sized, colored and of portrait orientation and bring it along to be displayed at the conference.
  10. Results of the Poster Presentations will be announced and awards will be presented to the winners on Day 2 of the conference i.e. Friday, 23 Oct 2026.

Abstract submission is a simple two-step process.

Step 1: Prepare your abstract using the Abstract Template provided.

Please download the Abstract Template here.

Step 2: Complete and submit an Abstract Submission Form. 

Please fill in your Abstract Submission Form.

Abstract Submitter Registration

  1. The invitation to submit an abstract does not constitute an offer to pay travel, accommodation or registration costs associated with the Conference.
  2. Submitters of accepted abstracts will receive registration waivers.
  3. By submitting an abstract, submitters are responsible for gaining appropriate permissions from the copyright holder.

Click here to submit your abstract.