Hudson Institute specialist guiding Victoria’s RNA future

Hudson Institute’s expertise in established and emerging fields of medical research has been recognised, with Research Group Head Dr Minni (Minna-Liisa) Änkö added to mRNA Victoria’s Scientific Advisory Group (SAG).

Dr Änkö, a leading Australian RNA researcher, brings the knowledge gained from 20 years of RNA research in Australia, Germany and her native Finland.

She is currently Head of the Functional RNAomics laboratory, holding a joint appointment at the Centre for Reproductive Health and Centre for Cancer Research at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research.

She has joined an esteemed panel of leading global vaccine experts chaired by Victoria’s Lead Scientist, Dr Amanda Caples, which also features, for example, Doherty Institute Director, Professor Sharon Lewin, Director of the Burnet Institute, Professor Brendan Crabb and Professor Ricky Johnstone, the Head of the Gene Regulation Laboratory at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Head of the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne.

The mRNA Victoria SAG will lead the way in planning the development of the state’s mRNA future research and manufacturing capabilities and identify future uses for these technologies.

“The benefits will be widespread, from preparing for emerging threats which can be tackled with RNA-based treatments, to the creation of many jobs in this growing area of research and production,” Dr Änkö said.

The Victorian government has committed $50 million to build mRNA capability, which will equip Australia with vaccine support for protection against coronavirus and future pandemics, and capabilities for new research breakthroughs.

“This is a crucial time for Australia’s growing biotech industry and Victoria is at the centre, but there is a lot of work to be done to make the most of this opportunity,” she said.

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