How is the AReNA project helping to support companies wishing to innovate or diversify their activities in the field of RNA therapeutics?

Xavier Linker joined CQDM in September 2024 as Director of Strategic Initiatives, in particular to steer the mobilizing ARN project. Prior to his arrival at CQDM, he spent nearly six years working in the innovation ecosystem, notably as coordinator of major programs and initiatives at TransMedTech, as well as at McGill University, where he co-founded and then directed Neurosphere, the neuroscience innovation gas pedal supported by the Healthy Brains, Healthy Lives initiative. Previously, Xavier began his career in business development, holding various positions in preclinical contract research organizations, first in France, then in Canada since 2012.

Seasoned biomedical scientist and strategic manager, Dr Prinos has over 15 years' experience in leading innovative projects in cancer genomics and personalized medicine. He previously held the position of team leader in epigenetic cell screening at the Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) at the University of Toronto, as well as that of director of the phenotypic platform at the Université de Sherbrooke. Today, Dr Prinos is Director of the Quebec RNA Therapy Development and Production Network (DePTAQ), a partnership between McGill University, the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) and the Université de Sherbrooke.

Alexandre Morizot joined the CQDM team in June 2021 as Project Manager, Scientific Affairs. Thanks to his skills, commitment and the successful completion of several major projects, Alexandre has progressed to the position of Director, Business Development. Prior to joining the team, Alexandre acquired significant project management experience in the pharmaceutical research field. As a project manager in a contract research organization (CRO), he played an essential role in the development of new drugs, coordinating the analyses required for clinical and preclinical studies.

Alexandre holds a PhD in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology from the Faculté de Bourgogne in 2010. During his studies, he specialized in the mechanisms of cell death and inflammation in various pathologies such as cancer, celiac disease and Crohn's disease.

Alexandre enjoys exploring nature on his outdoor hikes. During his travels, he always finds time to immerse himself in new culinary cultures. His insatiable curiosity drives him to explore restaurants of all origins, in search of flavors that awaken his senses.

As Director of RNA Valorization, I am responsible for identifying innovative projects from university faculties and research centers related to RNA therapies, and supporting researchers in the process of developing and transferring their technologies.

My background in academic research and partnerships with industry, particularly in functional genomics and drug discovery, gives me a good understanding of the challenges faced by researchers and the value proposition of their work.

My passion for and knowledge of the research themes covered by the AReNA mobilizing project will enable me to contribute to this major initiative, with the aim of raising the profile of the RNA therapy sector based on research in Quebec.