Welcome to the NSW RNA Research & Training Network (NSW-RRTN)

A collaborative initiative backed by the NSW Government, bringing together 12 universities and their affiliated medical research institutes across NSW and the ACT to support research, training and strategic programs in RNA science and technology.

What we do

Strategic Focus Areas

RNA Therapeutics & Diagnostics for human and animal health
Biosecurity & Industry Development
Collaborative Research & Training

Key Partners

UNIVERSITIES

  • Australian Catholic University
  • Australian National University
  • Charles Sturt University
  • Macquarie University
  • The University of Sydney
  • University of Canberra
  • University of New England
  • University of Newcastle
  • University of Technology (UTS), Sydney
  • University of Wollongong
  • UNSW Sydney (lead organisation)
  • Western Sydney University

INDUSTRY & GOVERNMENT

  • RNA Research and Manufacturing Facility
  • RNA Australia

Research Programs

1.Delivery Systems

Developing safe, targeted RNA delivery methods.

INITIAL PROJECT

Universal Intranasal Influenza Treatment

PARTNERS

  • Macquarie University & The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research
  • UNSW Sydney & The Kirby Institute
  • Centenary Institute

2.RNA Science

Designing and optimising coding and non-coding RNA therapeutics.

INITIAL PROJECT

Innovative RNA design and synthesis

PARTNERS

  • ANU & the Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation
  • Children’s Medical Research Institute
  • University of Sydney
  • UNSW Sydney

3.Immune System & Brain

Targeting brain cancers and neurological conditions with RNA.

INITIAL PROJECT

In vivo CAR-T cell generation

PARTNERS

  • UNSW Sydney
  • Children’s Cancer Institute
  • Macquarie University & The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research

Student Network

Postgraduate Training Scholarships

Co-designed research projects with academia, industry & government
3-month industry internships
Networking & outreach events

Training Initiatives

Biopharma Manufacturing Readiness Program

Led by UTS Biologics Innovation Facility

  • Blended learning: eLearning + VR + hands-on training
  • GMP and biomanufacturing training in a GMP-like facility

Professional Education & Microcredentials

  • Including UNSW RNA Institute courses in RNA bioprocessing and quality control
  • Seed funding available for new course development supporting career pathways in the RNA ecosystem

Strategic Funding Opportunities

NSW-RRTN Strategic Fund

Funding for innovative, collaborative projects across research, training, and outreach.

  • Open to STEM and non-STEM proposals
  • Priority for multi-institutional partnerships
Engineering Biology Challenge
  • Exploring AI-driven RNA and protein research.
  • Funding details coming soon.