The CICECO – Institute of Materials of Aveiro recently hosted the workshop “Innovative Technologies in mRNA Vaccine Manufacturing”, held within the framework of the European Yscript project. The event brought together students and researchers at different career stages, from undergraduate students to principal investigators, fostering a lively and interdisciplinary scientific dialogue.

The workshop provided a platform for sharing the latest advances in biopharmaceutical therapies, with a special focus on messenger RNA vaccines and the results achieved under the Yscript project. Participants had the opportunity to explore innovative approaches to the production, purification, and preservation of RNA-based therapeutics, strengthening both scientific knowledge and collaborative networks.

The Yscript project, funded by the European Innovation Council, unites eight partners from five countries with the goal of developing a cost-effective methodology for the bioproduction and purification of mRNA from yeast, aiming to improve accessibility to this class of biopharmaceuticals, particularly in under-resourced regions.

According to Augusto Pedro, organizer of the workshop, "this event was intended to be a forum for the dissemination and discussion of the latest advances in the manufacture of messenger RNA vaccines, with a special emphasis on the results obtained within the scope of the Yscript project, funded by the European Innovation Council. It was attended by students and researchers at different stages of their careers, from undergraduate students to Principal Investigators of R&D Projects. As this is a line of research in which we are particularly interested, it allowed us to disseminate much of the work we are developing in the production, purification, and preservation of messenger RNA-based biopharmaceuticals, strengthen existing collaborations, and also motivate a new generation of students to explore an emerging field that is particularly relevant today."

He adds:

"In the Yscript project, a consortium of eight partners from five countries joined forces to establish an innovative and more cost-effective methodology for the bioproduction and purification of messenger RNA from yeast, which could ultimately increase society's access to this class of biopharmaceuticals, particularly in underdeveloped countries. For me, it was a very positive and enriching experience. It helped broaden my horizons and shaped the way I approach scientific activity, from the relevance of intellectual property rights, the importance of scientific dissemination and communication activities, to the very way researchers and professors from different countries and fields view science. Also within the scope of Yscript, different analytical techniques associated with the production, purification, and quality control of messenger RNA were implemented and developed in our laboratories. I believe these will be crucial to strengthening the research area related to the production and delivery of biopharmaceuticals based on messenger RNA vaccines, which will be one of my priorities in the future and for which I intend to actively contribute."

The workshop was held on 24 September 2025. The session was conducted in Portuguese, reflecting the local scientific community while fostering international collaboration.

The speakers list was:

• Professor Mara Freire (CICECO, University of Aveiro) – Opening Session

• Professor Fani Sousa (RISE-HEALTH, University of Beira Interior) – Plenary Session

• Dr. Augusto Pedro (CICECO, University of Aveiro) – The potential of messenger RNA

• Ana Isabel Valente (CICECO, University of Aveiro) – Development of a new analytical method

• Ana Filipa Pereira (CICECO, University of Aveiro) – Alternative strategies for purification

• João Fernandes (CICECO, University of Aveiro) – Recovery of bioproduced mRNA

• Miguel Galrinho (CICECO, University of Aveiro) – Aqueous biphasic systems

• Bruno Baptista (RISE-HEALTH, University of Beira Interior) – Emerging purification strategies

• Dr. Rita Carapito (RISE-HEALTH, University of Beira Interior) – In silico approach

• Maria Inês Sousa (CICECO, University of Aveiro) – Thermoreversible aqueous biphasic systems

The successful attendance and rich discussions at the workshop highlight the importance of continued efforts in mRNA vaccine research and the role of collaborative projects such as Yscript in advancing global biopharmaceutical innovation.

Read more about the project Yscript: https://www.yscript.eu/

Watch the video about the milestones achieved: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPLs_1zAJOc/