The Society for RNA Therapeutics (SRT) has expanded its leadership team and outlined plans to strengthen collaboration, education and standards development across the rapidly growing RNA medicine sector.

The non-profit organisation, which supports research and development in RNA-based therapeutics, announced the appointment of Luke Thorstenson as executive director and Andrew Varley as secretary and member of its board of directors.

The appointments come as the Society seeks to broaden its international reach and bring together researchers, clinicians, industry professionals and trainees working across a range of RNA technologies, including messenger RNA (mRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), self-amplifying RNA (saRNA), circular RNA (circRNA), microRNA and antisense therapeutics.

Existing leadership members will remain in place for a further two-year term, including president John Cooke, vice president Bruce Sullenger and treasurer Lior Zangi.

The Society said it aims to play a larger role in supporting education, professional development, scientific standards and public engagement as RNA medicines continue to expand beyond their initial applications.

John Cooke, president of the Society for RNA Therapeutics, said: “RNA medicine is one of the most consequential therapeutic frontiers of our generation. Every scientist, physician, and related professional working with RNA therapies has a stake in this future, and a seat at this table.

“The Society for RNA Therapeutics is here to convene workers in the field to imagine and to advance its future. We call on the global RNA community to join us.”

The RNA therapeutics field has attracted increasing attention in recent years following the success of mRNA vaccine technology and growing investment in RNA-based approaches for cancer, rare diseases, cardiovascular disorders and other conditions.

As part of its strategy for the next two years, the Society plans to expand its annual meeting programme and monthly educational seminars, while also developing guidance documents covering areas such as RNA manufacturing, clinical trial design and clinical best practices.

The organisation also intends to increase support for early-career researchers through training initiatives, career development programmes and young investigator awards.

A further priority will be strengthening links between academic institutions and industry organisations working in RNA therapeutics.

Lior Zangi, treasurer of the Society for RNA Therapeutics, said: “SRT is the bridge between academia and industry.

“This is something the next generation of RNA scientists needs. Trainees today want to understand the full landscape of RNA therapeutics, including how the science translates into careers in industry, and the Society is uniquely positioned to give them direct access to that conversation.”

The Society also plans to expand internationally, bringing together researchers and organisations from North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific as part of a broader effort to establish a more coordinated global RNA therapeutics community.

Thorstenson joins the Society with experience in emerging therapeutic technologies, having previously been involved in the growth of the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine and currently serving at Johns Hopkins University’s Institute for NanoBioTechnology.

Meanwhile, Varley brings expertise in RNA manufacturing and platform development, including work involving mRNA, siRNA, saRNA and circRNA technologies.

Varley said: “RNA therapeutics have the potential to redefine how we treat disease, but realizing that promise requires shared standards, informed early-stage research, and manufacturing approaches designed for translation.

“By strengthening how RNA medicines are developed and produced from the outset, we can reduce risk, lower barriers, and make these therapies more accessible to patients worldwide.”

The Society said it will continue to focus on promoting research, education and collaboration while supporting efforts to improve access to RNA-based medicines globally.