RACE Workshop in Edinburgh: Two Days of Science, Skills, and Exchange Opportunities

On June 12–13, 2025, 20 PhD students and postdocs from IIMCB participated in a two-day Research Training in RNA and Cell Biology Workshop, hosted by the Institute of Genetics and Cancer (IGC), University of Edinburgh. 

The workshop brought together early-career researchers from both institutions for a programme packed with short talks, keynote lectures, poster sessions, and networking opportunities. Scientific sessions covered a wide range of topics – from protein function and RNA biology to disease mechanisms and gene regulation – with presentations delivered by students and postdocs from IIMCB and IGC. Highlights included keynote lectures by Prof. Pleasantine Mill (“Exploring cilia diversity – patient-driven gene discovery leads the way”) and Prof. Andrzej Dziembowski (“Complex metabolic pathways of mRNA therapeutics”), as well as a tour of IGC research facilities and vibrant poster discussions. 

Beyond science, the workshop created space for informal exchange and future planning. IIMCB participants learned more about the RACE mobility programme, which offers fully funded research stays at the University of Edinburgh for periods ranging from 1 to 24 months – including travel, accommodation, and research costs. 

View the photo gallery from the event here: RACE Workshop Photo Gallery

We warmly thank our hosts and organizers from the IGC and University of Edinburgh for creating such a welcoming, inspiring and collaborative environment – and look forward to future exchanges across the RACE network. 

The workshop was implemented under Task 2.2 (WP2) of the RACE project: Research Training in RNA and Cell Biology for IIMCB Post-Docs and PhD Students.