U of R to collaborate on new RNA-based research center with University of Albany

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The University of Rochester and the University of Albany announced their partnership on a new RNA research center Friday.

The New York State Center of Excellence in RNA Research and Therapeutics (CERRT) received its funding from the NY Assembly’s budget with the help of Assemblymember Bronson.

This research seeks to treat diseases such as muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, fragile X syndrome, and many other inherited disorders. Researchers say they hope to prevent disease through the use of RNA-based vaccines as well.

Speaking about the CERRT, Assemblymember Bronson said, “We can talk about centers of excellence, the return on investment historically have been 20 to one up to 40 to one. That’s amazing I used to be chair of economic development, there are no other economic development programs we do in the state that has that kind of return on investment. So that’s huge. But the real return on investment is that families will benefit from this. They will be able to have treatments that will help their family members.”

Both universities hope to help with economic growth through scientific discovery in the RNA field.

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