Gene Therapy Research Group
Purpose
The Gene Therapy Research Group formally brings together investigators at Western working across DNA- and RNA-based therapeutics, including delivery technologies, to strengthen an already active research community. Many members already collaborate and share grants; this group provides a structured forum to deepen those interactions and catalyze new joint initiatives. Overall, the working group will foster collaboration, accelerate knowledge exchange, and enhance training and innovation in gene therapy research at Western.
Research Priorities
- DNA and RNA-based therapies and their delivery mechanisms
- tRNA therapeutics and miRNA approaches
- Viral and non-viral delivery vehicles
- CRISPR therapeutics and cell engineering/editing
- Applications in rare diseases, neuromuscular disease, and cancer
Strategic Activities
- Regular PI-focused meetings to enable strategic exchange of ideas, alignment of research directions, and identification of emerging opportunities in gene therapy
- Broader group meetings providing a platform for HQP—graduate students and postdoctoral fellows—to present their work, gain feedback, and build interdisciplinary perspectives
- Development of multi-investigator grant applications to agencies such as CIHR
Key Contact
Name: Dr. Ilka Heinemann
Email: iheinema@uwo.ca
