Recent developments in sequencing technology have revealed widespread transcription of the eukaryotic genome, uncovering an overwhelming quantity of novel functional RNAs. The list of these RNAs is constantly increasing and already includes lncRNAs, circular RNAs and enhancer RNAs. The basic mechanisms of action of these RNAs remain to be elucidated and are most likely highly correlated with RNA secondary and tertiary structure, as previously found in examples of other RNAs, e.g. ribosomal RNAs and tRNAs.
Nevertheless, the connection between RNA structural biology and RNA function is still in its infancy. Therefore, the overall aim of this EMBO Workshop is to promote scientific exchange and synergies across the fields of RNA structure and RNA function, by gathering leading established and upcoming scientists to discuss and exchange the most recent advances in these areas and cutting-edge technologies to tackle them.