Trushar Patel

Dr. Trushar Patel is a Professor and Canada Research Chair in RNA and Protein Biophysics at the University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He serves as Associate Dean (Acting) and established DiscoveryLab, Synbridge Synthetic Biology Maker-Space, and Quadrumix Biotechnology. His research focuses on structural biophysics of viral RNA-host protein interactions and non-coding RNA function.

• PhD, University of Nottingham, UK
• Previous postdoctoral training at University of Manitoba and University of Birmingham

Research spans RNA-Protein Interactions, G-Quadruplex Biology, and Host-Viral Communication, with applications in antiviral drug discovery and cancer-related focal adhesion proteins. His work integrates biophysics, structural biology, and molecular biology to dissect mechanisms of DEAD-box helicases in viral replication.

Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary studies on Flaviviridae virus RNA structures, Alu repeats, and lncRNA-p21, featuring collaborations across virology, bioinformatics, and enzymology. Key journals include Nature, Nucleic Acids Research, and Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Awards include Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, NSERC Leader, and multiple CIHR/Marie Curie fellowships. He supervises 20+ trainees and is Editor of European Biophysics Journal.

His lab collaborates with institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital and Precision NanoSystems Inc., advancing RNA biophysics for therapeutic development. Media engagements include CBC, Global News, and Public Professor Series lectures.