Darya Novopashina | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Darya Novopashina, Ph.D., is a senior researcher at the Laboratory of RNA Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, where she has built a distinguished career in nucleic acid chemistry and bioorganic research. Her scientific work spans the design, synthesis, and functional exploration of modified oligoribonucleotides, with early contributions focused on creating conjugates of chemically altered RNA fragments for targeted gene expression inhibition. Over the years, she has advanced this foundation by investigating hybrid structures formed between nucleic acid fragments and carbon nanotubes, offering new insights into nanobiotechnology and molecular detection technologies. She has also developed innovative fluorescent oligonucleotide probes aimed at improving the sensitivity and specificity of nucleic acid detection methods. Currently, her research centers on engineering modified guide RNAs for CRISPR/Cas9 systems, where she has contributed to the development of light- and small-molecule–regulatable genome-editing platforms that enhance precision, control, and versatility in genetic manipulation. Through her work, Dr. Novopashina has become a key contributor to the evolution of RNA-based tools in molecular biology, enabling improvements in gene regulation, diagnostic capabilities, and therapeutic strategies. With a publication record exceeding 60 scientific papers, she is recognized for her consistent contributions to the fields of chemical biology, RNA modification, and genome-engineering technologies.