The RiboWest Conference brings together RNA researchers in Canada with the 2-fold goals of fostering internationally competitive RNA research and of training the next generation of scientists. The 14th Annual RiboWest conference (RiboWest 2018) was held at the University of Lethbridge (Lethbridge, Alberta) from June 10th to 13th, 2018. This meeting was focused on all major aspects of RNA research, ranging from understanding the cellular role of RNA, studying RNA interactions and structures, and employing them as a therapeutic tool. The invited keynote speakers (5) provided insights into the wide-range of RNA-based research. One of the unique features of this conference was that the majority of the oral presentations were given by the trainees (undergraduate/graduate students and postdoctoral researchers). Hosted by the Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI) at the University of Lethbridge as the leading center of RNA research in Western Canada, the RiboWest 2018 was well attended by researchers from across the country (>110 attendees in total). This conference proceedings editorial presents the overview of the conference, and briefly introduces articles published in this special issue of Biochemistry and Cell Biology.
Keywords: ARN; RNA; RiboWest; University of Lethbridge; Université de Lethbridge; Western Canada RNA Conference; Western Canadian RNA Conference.