Dr Jochem Vink is the Development Lead of the RNA Platform NZ. He completed his PhD at TU Delft, where he studied the fundamental mechanisms underlying target search by RNA-guided CRISPR complexes. During his postdoctoral research at Victoria University of Wellington, he developed molecular tools to study Phytophthora agathidicida, a devastating pathogen of kauri, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most treasured taonga tree species. Jochem subsequently joined the RNA Platform NZ, initially at the Malaghan Institute and currently at the Ferrier Research Institute. In his role, he has introduced novel RNA technologies and manufacturing processes into the platform’s production facility, with a focus on improving the potency and performance of RNA vaccines and therapeutics, as well as adapting RNA technologies for applications in animal and plant health.