The University of New England (UNE) has been named a key partner in the $200-million NSW RNA Research & Training Network (NSW-RRTN), a NSW Government-backed initiative uniting twelve universities across NSW and ACT to advance RNA-based therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostics.
The program will address the most critical challenges facing RNA medicine, with solutions to span human health, including cancer immunotherapy and neurodegenerative disease, as well as animal welfare and biosecurity.
“UNE was chosen for its expertise in research that connects human, animal, and environmental health (known as One Health), and its ability to contribute to the development of safe and effective RNA delivery technologies,” said Dr Brendan Wilkinson from UNE’s School of Science and Technology who will head UNE's involvement in the program.
UNE PhD scholars will receive a competitive RTP stipend, a 3-month industry internship, and access to a state-wide collaborative research and training ecosystem.
“Our scholars will work at the intersection of formulation chemistry, immunology, and delivery science, with applications ranging from livestock vaccines and zoonotic disease prevention through to the fundamental challenge of getting RNA therapeutics to where they're needed in the body,” said Dr Wilkinson.
“It's research that matters for both paddock and patient."
A new era for vaccines and therapeutics
Unlike traditional vaccines, which introduce weakened or inactivated pathogens or proteins, RNA vaccines deliver genetic instructions that direct the body's own cells to produce proteins that train the immune system to recognise and fight disease.
This technology can be rapidly adapted to target a wide range of threats, from endemic livestock diseases to emerging zoonotic infections.
Because of this, it’s particularly promising for animal health and biosecurity.
Beyond vaccines, RNA interference (RNAi) gene-silencing technology is transforming crop science, enabling scientists to develop crops that are more resistant to diseases, drought, and pests.
“Advances in formulation and delivery, including novel nanoparticle systems that improve stability and targeting, are also opening new frontiers in treating brain cancers and neurodegenerative conditions, where getting therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier remains one of medicine's greatest challenges,” said Dr Wilkinson.
“Beyond vaccines, RNA interference (RNAi) gene-silencing technology is transforming crop science, enabling scientists to develop crops that are more resistant to diseases, drought, and pests.”
UNE's track record in One Health research
An example of how UNE is already leading in vaccine research and development is through an $11-million collaboration with the Moredun Research Institute and the University of Glasgow, Scotland, co-funded by Meat and Livestock Australia, that is aiming to create protein-based, world-first vaccines for on-farm scour worm control.
With drench-resistant parasitism costing the Australian sheep and goat industry more than $450 million annually, this project will address one of the costliest problems for Australian sheep producers and create an approach to parasite management that puts sustainable animal health and welfare front and centre.
Image: A/Professor Nicholas Andronicos
“UNE’s expertise in chemistry, paired with our world-class poultry and animal science research groups, uniquely places us to make significant research and development advances in stabilisation and delivery technologies for RNA vaccines against livestock viral pathogens,” said Associate Professor Nicholas Andronicos, who is leading the UNE arm of the project.
“To enhance this synergy, we are looking for talented molecular biologists and chemists to join our researchers as PhD candidates in the RNA Training Program to help bring our vision to reality.”
Teaching the next generation of One Health leaders
For those interested in further postgraduate study in this field, UNE introduced Australia’s first Master of Public Health (One Health) in 2024.
From international, national and state health bodies right down to local health districts, this is a vitally important program for our times.
"UNE graduates will become key contributors to new surveillance and disease control methods that drastically improve health outcomes the world over," said Associate Professor Shahid Islam, Discipline Lead and Course Coordinator from UNE’s Faculty of Medicine and Health.
"From international, national and state health bodies right down to local health districts, this is a vitally important program for our times.”
Apply now for the RNA PhD Scholarship
Applications for the NSW RNA Research & Training Network (NSW-RRTN) PhD Scholarship are now open and close on 30 June 2026. Scholars will receive $37,746 per annum (indexed annually), plus industry top-ups, for up to 4 years. International fee-waivers may be considered for exceptional applicants. Find out more here
