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)
MECHANISMS OF Xist RNA MEDIATED DOSAGE COMPENSATION IN IMMUNE CELLS
Alexei Aravin (Cornell University)
Colin Conine (University of Pennsylvania)
THE TRANSMISSION OF NON- GENETICALLY INHERITED PHENOTYPES TO OFFSPRING BY SPERM miRNAs
Ernesto Guccione (Mount Sinai School of Medicine)
Michael Keogh (EpiCypher)
Ashish Lal (National Cancer Institute)
Shannon Lauberth (Northwestern University)
RNA-PROTEIN COMPLEXES AS GUARDIANS OF NUCLEAR FUNCTION
Gaelle Legube (Center of Intergrative Biology)
CHROMATIN AND CHROMOSOME DYNAMICS AT DNA DOUBLE STRAND BREAKS
Rob Martienssen (Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory)
GERMLINE SMALL RNAs AND THE DRIVE FOR GENOME DOMESTICATION
Danny Reinberg (University of Miami)
EPIGENETICS AND INHERITANCE
Neville Sanjana (New York Genome Center)
TRANSCRIPTOME-SCALE RNA-TARGETING CRISPR SCREENS
Raffaella Santoro (University of Zurich)
GENOME ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTION AROUND NUCLEOLI
Serena Sanulli (Stanford University)
RNA-MEDIATED REGULATION OF HETEROCHROMATIN
Igor Ulitsky (Weizmann Institute)
REGULATION OF GENE EXPRESSION BY LONG NONCODING RNAS
Jeremy Wilusz (Baylor College of Medicine)
DISSECTING HOW THE INTEGRATOR COMPLEX IS CONTROLLED

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.

Please note the below programme is an initial draft and is subject to change - the latest version will always be uploaded here, so check in later for any updates. 

Please see below opportunities to help offset the cost of attending. 

We hope to release additional grants later following fundraising efforts. If you are interested in future opportunities, please check in with this page frequently for the most up-to-date information. Alternatively, sign-up for updates (using the bell icon above) to be notified should additional grants be released. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Conference Manager, Chloe Trundle.

ECR Awards

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we have been able to create several ECR awards. Two different award values are available, $500 or $1,000 and these have been set aside for early career researchers. If you are a student, postdoc or junior faculty (within 3 years of your position), you are eligible. To apply please email the conference manager, Chloe Trundle. 

Your application should include your name, organisation, career level, an abstract for talk or poster consideration, and a short summary answering the below questions (no more than 50-100 words per question).
 
•   What cutting edge aspects of your work will you share at the meeting?
•    Why do you require financial support to attend?
•    How will attending this meeting benefit your research and career?

Please structure your application into one document (preferably .doc), starting with the above application criteria, followed by your abstract. 
 
Applications will be considered as they are submitted so although there is no application deadline, we recommend applying early to avoid disappointment as we only have a limited number of ECR awards available. If you are interested in presenting a talk, please ensure your abstract and ECR award application are submitted no later than midnight BST on 04 September 2025.

Note: we appreciate research may advance and new data may become available between the abstract deadline and the conference commencing. If you are chosen to present, and need to update your abstract later to reflect such changes, you are welcome to do so. Attendees can manage their submissions through their Fusion account. 

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.

Bringing together the global community of researchers and scientists interested in the study of DNA. Relevant specialties are wide-ranging, reflecting the importance of DNA Research in many aspects of health and disease, including; DNA Repair, DNA Replication, DNA Damage, Cancer, Chromosomal Instability, RNA and Nucleic Acids.

The group is open to all and is intended as a networking forum for past, present and future participants of Fusion Conferences as well as those interested in the related topics.