Editorial Oliver Mühlemann - The Messenger No. 1

Dear colleagues,

A well functioning research network depends on both, good research and intensive networking. Although that sounds trivial, during our daily routine we all tend to be very busy with the former and forget about the latter. The management team of our NCCR RNA & Disease network therefore sees it as one of its most important duties to counterbalance this reality by developing ideas and tools to enhance the networking aspects within our NCCR. Regular exchange of information among all members of the network is key, and one puzzle piece of our efforts towards this goal is this Newsletter – The Messenger – that from now on will notify you three times per year about new and hopefully interesting aspects regarding our NCCR. For this newsletter and additional internal and external communication tasks, we have started to work with two media professionals, Thomas Schnyder and Roland Fischer. I cordially welcome the two on board and am looking forward to learn and benefit from their expertise on how to communicate effectively with our different target groups within and outside of the NCCR. Staying with the networking theme, the past Summer School in Saas-Fee has created a fantastic group spirit among the participants, and the upcoming retreat in Kandersteg provides another opportunity for valuable interactions. Expanding our network from the NCCR towards the entire Swiss RNA community was our motivation to invite researchers to connect with our NCCR as associate members. Theecho was overwhelming, and we welcome the first 14 associate members who introduce themselves in this newsletter.