The RNA Institute at the University at Albany’s College of Arts and Sciences hosted its annual “RNA Day” celebration on Friday, August 2nd. This day brought exciting news and celebrations for myotonic dystrophy (DM) research!

Honoring Scientific Excellence: Dr. Wang Receives Inaugural SPARK Award

Dr. Eric Wang, member of MDF's Scientific Advisory Committee, was awarded the inaugural Center of Excellence in RNA Research and Therapeutics (CERRT) SPARK Award for his contributions to DM and RNA research! He continues to make strides in research and mentor DM researchers at the Eric T. Wang Laboratory. NY State Assembly member, John T. McDonald III, presented the award and Eric Wagner, CERRT Co-Director from the University of Rochester, was on hand for the award ceremony.

Training Tomorrow’s Scientists: Summer Bioinformatics Program Empowers Over 45 Trainees

Dr. Cécilia Légaré, recipient of the 2025 MDF Research Fellowship, led the Summer Bioinformatics Research Program, where more than 45 trainees learned to analyze DM data using datasets from Dr. Wang’s lab. DM community member and Research Support Specialist at the RNA Institute, Lori Planco, was a group leader in the Summer Bioinformatics Program. Lori Planco's mentee and DM community member, Chandler Desforges, successfully completed the program and won a poster award for his summer research! We're also excited to share that MDF Board Member, Dr. Robert Campagna, was one of the judges for the 75+ research posters presented at the event.

Harnessing AI for RNA Research: A New Era of Discovery Begins

The RNA Institute, in partnership with the University of Rochester, is spearheading a groundbreaking research initiative using artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate the discovery of treatments for myotonic dystrophy (DM). As part of New York State’s Empire AI program, researchers now have access to a state-of-the-art supercomputing system housed at the University at Buffalo. This computing infrastructure is projected to analyze RNA sequences in record time—offering quicker research insights. State University of New York Chancellor, John B. King Jr., shares that this new technology will enable researchers "to test out potential treatments around disease, and they’ll be able to model the treatments so much more quickly.”  

This effort is supported by over $2 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health and U.S. Department of Defense, as well as $230,000 in matching grants from the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

What's Next?

The RNA Institute, University of Rochester, and University of Florida, continue to play a central role in advanced biomedical research and biotechnology education, preparing the next generation of scientists while working to bring hope to families affected by DM. “We’re pushing forward this research that is going to lead to treatments and cures for myotonic dystrophy and other forms of muscular dystrophy,” said Dr. Andy Berglund, MDF Board Member, Chair of MDF's Scientific Advisory Committee, and Director of the RNA Institute.

See coverage of the RNA Institute’s RNA Day event and the array of researchers working to understand neurodegenerative diseases in the Times Union, WAMC, News Channel 10, and University at Albany's website.

Interested in supporting DM research? Click here to learn more about MDF's Advocacy efforts. >>>