Julie Claycomb was named the 2023 Blue Jacket Award winner

At this year’s RiboClub meeting of RNA researchers in Mt. Orford, QC, Dr. Julie Claycomb was named the 2023 Blue Jacket Award winner. The Blue Jacket Award has been given since 2004 to RNA researchers who make impactful contributions to the Canadian RNA research community. Claycomb’s “pioneering leadership” and “deep engagement” with the RNA community on many levels were noted by the award committee as exceptional. Through her efforts in co-founding the Toronto RNA Enthusiasts’ Day (TREnD), and mentoring the Toronto RNA Club for the past 8 years, Claycomb has contributed extensively to uniting the RNA research community in the greater Toronto area. Her efforts in fostering a welcoming environment for RNA biology-focused trainees were particularly appreciated.

As a member of the newly-formed RNA Canada ARN non-profit group, Claycomb has served as a Board of Directors member and Secretary of the organization since 2022, as well as the Chair of the Outreach Committee, in which she co-designed the RNA Canada ARN website (rnacanada.ca). On the international level, Claycomb serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the RNA Society, and in this capacity, she helps to guide decisions taken by the organization. Claycomb is the first University of Toronto professor to receive the Blue Jacket Award, and will continue to serve as an ambassador of the Canadian RNA Community.