Another memorable RNA Day at Columbia!

The Zaccara Lab was delighted to help organize Columbia’s 2026 RNA Day, which brought together more than 100 researchers from over 20 laboratories across Columbia’s three campuses. The symposium featured a keynote lecture by Robert B. Darnell of Rockefeller University and a vibrant poster session showcasing RNA research by high-school students, undergraduates, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

RNA Day was created in 2023 by Sara Zaccara and Anna-Lena Steckelberg to connect Columbia’s growing RNA community and encourage conversations and collaborations across disciplines. Members of the Zaccara Lab participated in the scientific program—and also won the RNA-themed baking competition with “May Your Half-Life Be Long,” a cake illustrating mRNA biogenesis and turnover.

Read more about RNA Day in the CUIMC feature.

"Homemade vanilla sponge cake layered with berries and whipped almond cream cheese that shows mRNA biogenesis and turnover in a eukaryotic cell. The title, "May your half-life be long" references mRNA stability and turnover, a core focus of the lab's research."