As we begin 2024, we are delighted to share some exciting updates and reflect on the journey of the RNA Platform. This platform will be a dedicated science and technology hub, supporting the design and production of RNA therapeutics and mRNA vaccines within New Zealand.

In this email:

Letter from the directors
Fast Start Project Update
Pillar Hiring Update
Distinguishing the RNA Platform from CoREs and NSCs
What to Expect Next

Letter from the directors

Wrapping Up the Establishment Phase and Outlook for 2024

Our establishment phase is nearing completion, and the outlook for 2024 is promising. We're delighted to announce the signing of a head contract with MBIE, a crucial milestone that sets the stage for our ambitious journey.

In 2023, our collaboration with MBIE was concentrated on designing and aligning the platform's vision, mission, structure, leadership, and governance. Responding to the RFP to secure the RNA Platform was a major focus for the team, and the tight timelines and nature of the work meant that we didn’t get heaps of engagement. The surveys, workshops, and Fast Starts were all very useful and valuable engagement opportunities to the platform team, and we are eager to emphasize that 2024 will mark a significant increase across the board. With the appointment of the Directors and the head contract in place, now is the appropriate time to engage. The recruitment of the Pillar Leads will be a key milestone for science programme design, and we anticipate a dynamic and positive engagement with the scientific community around this process. We are planning travel across the country over the next few months, so we would like to encourage researchers and partners to reach out for meetings.

What is an SSIF Platform

The RNA Platform stands apart from other funding mechanisms, representing the Strategic Science Investment Fund (SSIF) and focusing on strategic investments in research programs and scientific infrastructure to build a technology and manufacturing platform. Specifically, the RNA Platform, as outlined on the MBIE website, will serve as a dedicated hub for science and technology, supporting the design and production of RNA therapeutics and mRNA vaccines within New Zealand.

This collaborative initiative is bringing together multidisciplinary experts and teams, enhancing the country's capabilities in this cutting-edge field. By fostering international connections and developments, we want the platform to empower local researchers to contribute globally and facilitate the emergence of new RNA products and services from New Zealand companies.

Steering Group Formation with MBIE

In collaboration with MBIE, a steering group is taking shape to guide our strategic direction. This marks a significant step in ramping up our efforts, ensuring effective coordination and impactful outcomes.

Looking Ahead to 2024

As we step into 2024, anticipate a surge in engagement with the scientific community, starting with contracting the Fast Start investments. The rest of this update will delve into the exciting details of how we're gearing up for more collaborations with our RNA community.

Thank you for being a crucial part of the RNA Platform's journey.

Warm regards,

Gary and Kjesten

Fast Start Project Update

Thank you for your active participation in the fast start round. Out of 33 submissions, 12 projects were shortlisted and subsequently interviewed by a Panel. We are pleased to announce that 8 projects have been selected for investment.

Currently, we are in the contracting phase to ensure a seamless alignment with the platform's objectives for each selected project. Anticipating the next phase, successful teams will be supported with funding ranging from 200k to 300k to expedite activities in line with the platform's strategic goals. Moreover, each chosen group will receive essential RNA constructs from our advanced manufacturing facility.

This initiative marks a significant stride in advancing impactful research within the RNA community. We look forward to witnessing the positive outcomes resulting from these collaborative efforts.

Pillar Hiring Update

As we embark on a new year, we would like to provide you with a brief update on our ongoing efforts to build a robust leadership team for the RNA Platform.

Before the holiday season, we initiated the recruitment process for three pivotal Pillar Lead roles in Manufacturing, QC, and Formulation. Originally, our plan was to appoint these three leads before Christmas and then proceed with recruiting the next four in the new year.

However, navigating through the complexities of university shutdowns and holiday periods, we made the strategic decision to postpone the interviews for these roles until this year. This adjustment means that the hiring processes for all seven Pillar Leads are now concurrently underway. Our objective is to expedite the hiring procedures, enabling us to swiftly move forward with the design and construction of the pillar work programs.

If you are interested and wish to learn more or apply for a Pillar Lead role, please feel free to reach out to us at rnaplatform@vuw.ac.nz. We welcome your interest and enthusiasm as we work together to shape the future of the RNA Platform.

Distinguishing the RNA Platform from CoREs and NSCs:

The RNA Platform, as an emerging Strategic Science Investment Fund (SSIF) initiative by MBIE, has been designed to have key differences from the traditional structures of both Centres of Research Excellence (CoREs) and National Science Challenges (NSCs). This distinction will extend beyond the framework to encompass expectations, contractual dynamics, and governance structures.

The platform is less about a broad range of discrete projects, but more about a coherent and connected set of initiatives that will to MBIE’s strategic intent. This shift will facilitate rapid decision-making across a diverse portfolio of programs, aligning with a dynamic and goal-focused approach.

The RNA Platform will prioritize goal-focused programs aimed at growing and maintaining capability and infrastructure within New Zealand. The governance structure has intentionally been designed to be less top-heavy, fostering agility and efficiency in the decision-making processes.

Crucially, the RNA Platform will distinguish itself through its commitment to retaining capability and access to intellectual property (IP) for New Zealand. This strategic foresight will align with the platform's broader goal of contributing to the nation's resilience and capacity in RNA technologies. Additionally, the platform will signal a shift towards more commercial engagement, exemplifying a translational bridge towards commercial applications.

In essence, our goal is for the RNA Platform to emerge as a dynamic and agile initiative, strategically positioned to deliver impactful outcomes in the realm of RNA technologies in New Zealand.

What to Expect Next

Visits

Our Directors will be travelling to engage with research partners over the next few months.

Recruitment

Over the coming weeks we will be opening the advertisement for the Pillar Lead Positions. Please keep a lookout on seek.co.nz for the Pillar Lead roles and share with your networks

PhD Scholarships

In the first half of this year we are planning on opening a scholarships round for PhD students. We will make a dedicated announcement when the round is about to open.

Upcoming Webinar March 13th

Join us for a presentation from the Directors on the launch of the Platform, and an opportunity for some Q&A.

Download iCalendar invite

Contact us

If you are interested in discussing the platform and how to engage, or if you’d like to discuss the Visits or Recruitment, please reach out to us at

rnaplatform@vuw.ac.nz
or directly to Gary and Kjesten.

Go to our website