Gene editing and RNA technologies are rapidly reshaping biotechnology, medicine, and manufacturing. From CRISPR and emerging gene editing tools to mRNA platforms, RNA interference, and novel delivery systems, the field is moving from breakthrough discovery toward clinical translation and commercialization.
The Gene Editing and RNA Technologies (GEAR) Conference, September 15–17, 2026, in Boston, MA, brings these interconnected disciplines together in one focused meeting. Hosted by AIChE's Society for Biological Engineering (SBE), GEAR will explore translational challenges, manufacturing realities, regulatory considerations, and the ethical implications shaping the future of the field.
We spoke with the GEAR conference chairs—Lee Klein of Merck & Co., Giulia Schiroli of Tessera Therapeutics, and Weixin Tang of the University of Chicago—about the inspiration behind GEAR, how they shaped the technical program, and what they hope attendees will gain from this inaugural event.
GEAR is the first merged conference hosted by AIChE’s Society for Biological Engineering to bring gene editing and RNA technologies together in one focused meeting. What inspired the creation of this conference, and why is now the right time to unite these fields?
Lee: The essence of any conference is bringing people—who might not otherwise meet—together in an atmosphere that encourages the free exchange of ideas outside everyone’s usual working environment. Given the changes we’re seeing in the RNA space right now, I think AIChE correctly sensed an opportunity to convene a broader selection of attendees from both industry and academia, spanning interests across a wide range of RNA-related topics. To be perfectly honest, the macro-environment we find ourselves in today isn't exactly friendly to fresh, transformative ideas in RNA technology. But that’s precisely why our exchange in September is more important than ever. Now is the time to think outside the box and plant the seeds for a future that will spring up when the time is right.
Giulia: GEAR was created because gene editing and RNA technologies are increasingly solving adjacent problems—and, in many cases, enabling each other. RNA can be therapeutic on its own, but it also plays a critical role as an engine for transient expression, reprogramming, and delivery strategies that can make or break editing outcomes. Now is the right moment to unite these fields because both are transitioning from exciting proof-of-concept work to clinical translation.
Weixin: RNA technologies and gene editing are intrinsically connected. Many successful gene-editing therapies, for example, are delivered in RNA form. The two fields share scientific and translational challenges, particularly in a rapidly evolving clinical landscape. We believe that dialogue at their interface will generate new ideas and advance both areas.
The program spans gene editing, RNA technologies, delivery, vaccines, manufacturing, and applications of AI/ML in RNA therapeutics. How did you approach shaping the technical program to encourage connection across these areas?
Lee: I've been lucky—and that truly is the best word for it—to work with some outstanding scientists in the RNA space throughout my career, including two of our keynote speakers and one of our co-chairs. It was my chance encounters with these individuals that made me realize just how deep and rich these fields are. It’s also thanks to the organizing skills of our AIChE partners that such an excellent program has come together. In short, my “approach” is simply to recognize when others have taken a good approach and follow their lead. I really don't have any better advice than that.
Giulia: At the core of this field are a handful of persistent bottlenecks. Whether someone works in gene editing, RNA therapeutics, or vaccines, many of the toughest challenges arise at the interfaces—delivery and tissue targeting, emerging editing modalities, analytical methods, and scalable manufacturing. We intentionally built the program around those pressure points. We also prioritized a strong balance between academic discovery and application-focused industry talks, so the meeting naturally fosters the kinds of interactions needed to move these challenges forward.
Weixin: We structured the program around shared foundations like molecular design, delivery, manufacturing, and clinical translation. These topics are central to both gene editing and RNA technologies. At the same time, we incorporated rapidly evolving frontiers such as AI and machine learning in RNA therapeutics to create cross-cutting dialogue. This balance is meant to promote integration rather than keeping the fields in parallel conversations.
GEAR is designed to bring together academics, researchers, scientists, clinicians, and industry leaders. What kinds of conversations or collaborations do you hope this inaugural meeting will spark?
Lee: What makes meetings like this valuable are the memorable interactions that happen beyond the podium. Some of the most meaningful exchanges take place in unguarded conversations over lunches or dinners, where personal and professional connections form. If you’re fortunate enough to have a corporate card, use it to bring others to the table. That is exactly what it is there for. I’m confident the presentations will include material that feels familiar to the speakers but fresh or unexpected to the audience. Ideally, some of those exchanges will lead to future travel, speaking, or consulting opportunities. Most importantly, attendees should leave with insights that help them advance the field, whether through day-to-day improvements or meaningful innovation.
Giulia: The goal is to spark practical collaborations by connecting new editing and RNA ideas with the delivery, analytics, and manufacturing expertise needed to translate them. It should also create space for honest discussion about the bottlenecks that continue to slow progress, and for sharing what is working and what is not, so the community can move forward more effectively together.
Weixin: This inaugural meeting is an opportunity to help researchers better understand the fundamental challenges in clinical translation, while enabling clinicians and industry leaders to stay informed about emerging technologies and solutions developed in the laboratory.
After attending GEAR, what new perspectives do you hope attendees gain about the future of gene editing and RNA technologies?
Lee: I remain convinced there’s a long and bright future ahead in RNA technology. It may take a while to get there, but if I’ve learned anything, it’s that the excellent scientists, engineers, and leaders (both current and future) who attend these events are the ones who will make that future a reality. I really don’t know what new perspectives our attendees will gain, but I’ve been mostly an analytical chemist so far, and I do know you’ll never find what you don’t look for. If you don’t share my enthusiasm for the field, that’s OK—but come find me in Boston so I can invite you to dinner. I’ll do my best to melt your doubts over a plate of something you’re optimistic about.
Giulia: I’m confident the science will speak for itself, showcasing the transformative potential of gene editing and RNA technologies for current applications and what’s coming next. More broadly, I hope attendees leave understanding that the future won’t be driven by a single modality, but by an integrated toolbox.
Learn more about SBE’s premier GEAR conference. Stay tuned for registration details.
Abstract submissions are now open for the 2026 GEAR Conference. Share your latest advances in gene editing, RNA therapeutics, delivery, and biomanufacturing.
