The conference program covers how RNA and RNA-dependent machineries regulate chromatin landscape, gene expression, and genome architecture during normal development and in disease states. With a focus on high-throughput and systems biology approaches, this conference is a venue to learn about emerging technologies in the field and how they are being used to gain deep mechanistic insights into genome regulation. 

With recent evidence that RNA-protein interactions regulate gene expression, facilitate DNA repair, and play roles in genome organization, we aim to bring together scientists working on these distinct fields and provide a forum for discussion and exchange of scientific ideas and technologies which will advance all these research areas. We will also have opportunities to learn from biotech industry leaders on how RNA biology is making its way into new diagnostics tools and therapeutic applications. The majority of talks will be selected from submitted abstracts.

Key Sessions

• Biogenesis of noncoding RNAs and their role in genome regulation
• Regulatory RNA structures
• RNA-dependent regulation of transcriptional machineries
• Modulating the epigenome
• New genomic technologies  
• Emerging roles of RNA in genome integrity
• Nuclear organization
• Functional implications of RNA modifications
• Transposable elements and gene expression 

Confirmed Invited Speakers

Montserrat Anguera (University of Pennsylvania)
Kathleen Burns (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute)
Howard Chang (Amgen)
Colin Conine (University of Pennsylvania)
Ernesto Guccione (Mount Sinai School of Medicine)
Michael Keogh (EpiCypher)
Shannon Lauberth (Northwestern University)
Gaelle Legube (Center of Intergrative Biology)
Rob Martienssen (Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory)
Neville Sanjana (New York Genome Center)
Serena Sanulli (Stanford University)
Igor Ulitsky (Weizmann Institute)
Jeremy Wilusz (Baylor College of Medicine)

Target Audience

We target a broad audience, from both academia and industry, with interests in many biological processes including epigenetics, DNA repair, transcription, and genome organization, where there is evidence for RNA playing a key role. To encourage participation from attendees from all career levels, the majority of talks will be chosen from submitted abstracts. 

Educational Need

Scientists interested in genome regulation and RNA-based mechanisms in biology are often partitioned into different sub-fields and lack opportunities to exchange ideas and foster collaborative projects. This conference provides attendees with a unique opportunity to interact with a varied scientific community. We have speakers from both academia and industry which will provide trainees with opportunities to learn how the scientific process occurs in these two distinct settings. In addition, the networking sessions will provide a stage for career discussions.

Although the programme has not yet been released, we are able to confirm that the main conference programme should begin no earlier than 14:00 with opening comments on Wednesday 04 March 2026, and conclude no later than 12:30 on Saturday 07 March 2026.

Cancun International Airport is approximately 35 minutes from SLS Playa Mujeres. Unlike other airports, Cancun airport transfer services must be pre-arranged. To obtain safe, licensed and bilingual transportation services please ensure you book your arrival and return transportation online with an authorised transportation company prior to your arrival to ensure a smooth journey without delays.

If you wish to share a return transfer to the airport then we would suggest waiting and organising this on-site at the hotel. The hotel have registered taxis readily available, you simply need to speak to the concierge on the day of your departure (approx $56 to Cancun International Airport). This will allow attendees to share return transfers with others who have similar flight times.

Private Transportation Companies

There are many alternative transportation companies operating in the Cancun area who will be able to provide a quotation for your trip. The following companies are well reviewed on Trip Advisor and quotations can be obtained and bookings can be made directly via their websites.

Amstar

Kalido Travel

Happy Shuttle Cancun

STP Caribe

Transportation is the sole responsibility of the delegate. Please ensure you conduct your own research and double check your booking details ahead of your arrival. Fusion Conferences are unable to assist with or confirm transportation bookings due to insurance limitations. Thank you for your understanding.

Please come back soon for further information regarding local activities.