Home | RNA Innovation Foundry

The RNA Innovation Foundry (RIF), established in 2024 at the University of Western Australia (UWA), aims to design and manufacture high-quality mRNA and formulations for scientific discovery and mRNA-based solutions. Our vision is to be a leading RNA R&D facility driving and training ground that drives innovation for transformative global solutions.

About us

Our RNA manufacturing facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology designed to support high-throughput, low-scale production of RNA therapeutics for pre-clinical research. We ensure consistent and high-quality RNA production with advanced automation systems, including precision synthesis and purification platforms. Our in-house DNA construct preparation and sequencing capabilities streamline the manufacturing process, reducing costs and time to production. The facility’s robust quality control measures, adherence to quality assurance practices, and traceability systems guarantee compliance and reliability.

Additionally, our experienced team of scientists and technical staff bring extensive expertise in RNA design and development, enabling innovative solutions and rapid response to emerging research and development needs. mRNA manufacturing at the RIF facility is integral for the Australian Centre of RNA Therapeutics in Cancer (ACRTC), where it supports designing, synthesising, testing and improving RNA products for cancer treatment.

Working with RNA

RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a versatile molecule that plays a central role in protein synthesis and cellular functions. This groundbreaking technology has transformative applications in medicine, diagnostics, agriculture, and marine biology.

Find out how

Our collaborators

The University of Western Australia's RIF is part of a national network of RNA production facilities, offering researchers streamlined access to specialist capabilities and cutting-edge expertise. Enabled through grants from Therapeutics Innovation Australia (TIA, NCRIS), the WA Department of Health, and the Cancer Research Trust (CRT), RIF provides a powerful platform for both routine and advanced RNA research needs. As the Western Australian node in this national network, RIF connects researchers to a harmonised ecosystem of expertise, ensuring accessible, high-quality RNA production and characterization. We work closely with our sister facilities in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne to support large or complex projects, bringing together national expertise to accelerate discovery and innovation.

Map of Australia with collaborators shown around australia

Our capability

AI-based design, development and optimisation of custom DNA sequences to manufacture stable and high yield mRNA.

High quality mRNA production, purification and characterisation.

Plasmid DNA production for RNA template, purification and characterisation

Lipid nanoparticle formulations (LNP) for mRNA encapsulation as well as purification and analysis of LNP.

Manufacture and formulation of mRNA at different scales under stringent quality management.

mRNA products for applications in life sciences, health and medical research, plant and marine biology, biosecurity, etc.

Our services

Custom RNA

Custom mRNA sequences based on your sequence input, or with sequences designed in collaboration with us. Our expert team can provide support with each step in the process.

Our end-to-end services include:

Design, manufacture and screening of custom mRNAs
Small scale (~100ug) custom mRNA design, production & development
Medium scale (~1mg) custom mRNA design, production & development
Lipid nanoparticle formulation

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Catalogue RNA

We stock catalogue mRNAs ready for immediate shipping and use.

Catalogue mRNAs can also be Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) formulated.

Mini-GFP – optimised mRNA sequence that encodes a smaller version of Green Fluorescence Protein with enhanced luminescence
eGFP – optimised mRNA sequence that encodes typical Green Fluorescence Protein
Luciferase – optimised mRNA sequence that encodes typical bio-luminescent luciferase protein
mCherry - optimised mRNA sequence that encodes typical Red Fluorescence Protein

Coming in the near future: Ovalbumin, NanoLuc, Cas9

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Meet our people

Archa Fox

Professor

Olga Shimoni

RNA production Facility Manager

Graeme Allen

Quality Assurance Manager

John Blinco

Senior Technical Officer

Hayley Ingram

Research Officer

Tessa Swain

Research Fellow

Max Ward

Lecturer

Sania Zahan

Casual Teaching

Carol Tan-Fujita

Business and Innovation Manager

Work with us

Our scientists have experience in the discovery and development of mRNA molecules. We can provide end-to-end research services for pre-clinical development of mRNA.

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FAQs

What length of RNA do you produce?

We can manufacture from approximately 300 nucleotides to more than 5k nucleotides.
What is the difference between native and synthetic mRNA?

Native mRNA is naturally produced within living organisms as part of their cellular processes. It plays a key role in biological functions such as protein synthesis, regulation of gene expression, and cellular responses. Synthetic mRNA is artificially created in a laboratory using in vitro transcription processes. It can be engineered to mimic native mRNA but modified for enhanced stability, delivery, and efficacy. Since it is synthesised using programmable sequences, it allows precise control over the nucleotide composition and modifications. Only synthetic mRNA sequences can be patented and used as therapeutics.
Can you produce short RNA sequences or antisense oligos?

No. Please refer to SynGenis company in Perth or our sister facility at the UNSW RNA Institute that specialises in short RNA molecule synthesis.
Does RIF manufacture mRNA for clinical trials/Can RIF support researchers with clinical trials?

The RIF facility aims to design and develop mRNA for preclinical research. We support high-throughput, low-scale production of mRNA therapeutics and can help with in vitro screening of multiple candidates to identify the best-performing mRNAs.

For clinical trials, it is recommended that RNA be manufactured according to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). You can engage with one of the Contract Development Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs) companies in Australia or overseas. We can help with the technology transfer of our mRNA manufacturing and analytical methods plus associated documentation transfer to future manufacturing partners such as CDMOs.
Can you encapsulate existing mRNA in Lipid Nanoparticles

Yes, we can provide the service of mRNA formulation with lipid nanoparticles. We can also provide the service of LNP purification, characterisation of LNPs and analysis of encapsulation efficiency.
Does RIF design and develop mRNA only for cancer therapeutics?

No, RNA Innovation Foundry is agnostic to disease or field of research. We can work with you on your individual needs for mRNA.
Are RIF and ACRTC the same thing?

ACRTC or Australian Centre for RNA Therapeutics in Cancer is a UWA-based research centre focusing on a multi-disciplinary approach to design and develop mRNA therapeutics for cancer treatment. The ACRTC was established in late-2023 to address the growing need for innovative solutions in cancer treatment through RNA-based therapies. Based at the School of Human Sciences at The University of Western Australia, the Centre leverages cutting-edge RNA technologies to target aggressive or hard-to-treat cancers.RNA Innovation Foundry or RIF is a key enabling infrastructure and service facility facilitating the ACRTC to carry out its research.

Location and contact

Contact

RIF@uwa.edu.au

Connect with us

Bayliss Building (M310)
Lab 4.21, Level 4, Bayliss Building (access via Fairway Entrance 4)
The University of Western Australia
Crawley (Perth) Campus
35 Stirling Highway
Perth WA 6009
Australia