WA opens world-leading RNA facility to accelerate cancer research
The Hon Stephen Dawson MLC launches the RNA Foundry.
On 3 December 2025, Western Australia marked a major milestone in medical innovation with the official opening of the RNA Innovation Foundry (RIF) at The University of Western Australia (UWA). The new facility is set to fast-track the development of personalised RNA-based cancer treatments, positioning WA as a national leader in RNA research and precision medicine.
The RIF is Australia’s first centre dedicated exclusively to applying RNA technology to oncology, designed to manufacture high-quality mRNA and expedite breakthroughs for aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers. Researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates will collaborate to design, produce, and test pilot RNA products, aiming to improve outcomes for a wide range of cancers.
The Foundry was developed in partnership with the Australian Centre for RNA Therapeutics in Cancer (ACRTC) at UWA and is supported by a $6.8 million co-investment from the WA Government, the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), and UWA. The WA Government contributed $2.08 million through the Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund, highlighting the state’s commitment to advancing medical research infrastructure.
The ACRTC brings together leading partners including the Cancer Research Trust, Cancer Council WA, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, The Kids Research Institute Australia, Curtin University, and Therapeutics Innovation Australia. The Centre was established through a $12 million partnered investment, with support from the FHRI Fund and other major research bodies.
The launch has already attracted interest from global biotechnology leaders such as Moderna and BioNTech, reinforcing WA’s reputation as a hub for RNA innovation.
The RNA Innovation Foundry exemplifies WA’s future-focused approach to medical science, facilitating collaboration and enabling cutting-edge research that will drive innovation and improve health outcomes for the community.
For more information about the FHRI Fund and its role in supporting medical research, visit https://fhrifund.health.wa.gov.au/.