Robert Place

Chief Technology Officer at MiNA Therapeutics Limited

Speaker

Dr. Robert Place is a biotechnology executive, scientist, and inventor with nearly 20 years of experience advancing RNA therapeutics from biological concept to clinical development by integrating target biology, molecular mechanisms, chemistry, and drug delivery. He has held senior leadership roles across multiple biotechnology companies, leading the development of siRNA, activating oligonucleotide, and conjugate-based therapeutics.

During his early research career at UCSF, Dr. Place helped pioneer the field of RNA activation (RNAa), demonstrating that small oligonucleotides can activate gene expression thereby opening a new therapeutic frontier for oligonucleotide medicines. Since then, he has guided multiple RNA therapeutic programs from discovery through clinical development.

Dr. Place currently serves as Chief Technology Officer at MiNA Therapeutics, where he oversees drug discovery, chemistry, and technology innovation. His work focuses on translating fundamental insights in gene regulation into innovative medicines for patients.