On December 17, 2024, the Mini-Symposium entitled “Short non-coding RNAs: 31 years since the discovery of miRNAs” was held at the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences (IBCH PAS). The event, organized under the auspices of IBCH PAS, the Polish Biochemical Society (Poznań Branch and Nucleic Acids Section), and KNOW RNA Salon Poznan, was inspired by the discoveries honored with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

During the Mini-Symposium, seven lectures were delivered by: Prof. Zofia Szweykowska-Kulińska (Adam Mickiewicz University), Anna Kurzyńska-Kokorniak, PhD, DSc, Assoc. Prof. (IBCH PAS), Jakub Dolata, PhD (Adam Mickiewicz University), Paulina Gałka-Marciniak, PhD (IBCH PAS), Prof. Błażej Rubiś (Poznań University of Medical Sciences), Marianna Pewińska-Kołodziejczak, MSc (IBCH PAS), and Guillem Ylla, PhD, DSc (Jagiellonian University, Kraków). The lectures explored the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) and other short regulatory RNAs in various organisms, including plants, insects, and humans. Topics covered included the impact of mutations and dysregulation of miRNA expression on cancer development, as well as findings from research into innovative therapeutic approaches for Huntington’s disease using synthetic microRNAs.

The event also provided opportunities for young scientists—students and doctoral candidates—to present their research results. These presentations took place during a session of short talks, known as flash talks, and a poster session. A panel of invited speakers evaluated the posters and selected the best presentation.

One of the most anticipated moments for some participants was the award ceremony for the winners of this year’s RNA Salon Poznań competition, which recognized the best bachelor’s and master’s theses, as well as the best publications by students and doctoral candidates. The RNA Salon Poznań awards honored the works of Zuzanna Tabisz (Adam Mickiewicz University, bachelor’s thesis), Eliza Kopera (Adam Mickiewicz University, master’s thesis), Marta Maćkowiak (Poznań University of Technology / IBCH PAS, publication, student), Karolina Rassek (Institute of Human Genetics, PAS, publication, doctoral candidate), and Monika Jóźwiak (Adam Mickiewicz University, poster).

The event concluded with discussions among participants and lunch.

The organizer of the Mini-Symposium was Zbigniew Warkocki, PhD, DSc, Assoc. Prof.